The Least of These: Lessons Learned from Kids on the Street

by Ron Ruthruff

Through concrete detail, current statistics, and qualitative insights from more than 25 years living among and ministering globally to youth mired in tough and dangerous street life, Ron Ruthruff provides a tried model for serving not only troubled youth but others as well. Ruthruff tells stirring, biblically relevant stories of the real young people he and his family have loved and served―and what these kids have taught him in return about truly Christ-centered ministry. These stirring stories compel us to reach the least, the last, and the lost, and to appreciate what they can teach us as well. Readers will hear the voice of Job from the hospital bed of a heroin addict; read the story of the demoniac in Mark 5 from the perspective of an “untouchable” in an orphanage in Bombay, India; and discover that the children who sit on our city streets around the world are not just a problem to be solved, but have the potential to become some of our greatest teachers in both their depravity and their dependence on God.

Genres: Nonfiction

208 pages, Hardcover

First published October 4, 2010

Reviews

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read about Ron's many travels and experiences on the streets of Seattle and elsewhere, reaching out to kids in difficult circumstances. He reminds us we have much to learn from the kids, often more than we have to teach them. I am humbly reminded that if we just get to know someone and their situation, we become so much more willing to love and accept them.

[Raf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ron taught my graduate class in Urban Studies at Northwest University. Ron's book depicts very heart felt stories of kids living on the streets of Seattle and San Francisco. The book joins a biblical and theological calling to serving at risk youth in relation to treating Christ. Ron depicts biblical passages in relationship to how they apply serving street kids. Some of his experiences were positive and some were not. However, despite all experiences, Ron's relationship with G-d solidified his reasons for serving street youth. The book also captures Ron's trips to Guatemala and Kenya, revealing not only the brokenness of communities overseas but depicting the spiritual poverty that exists in our own country. Ron's personal life experiences have been instrumental in shaping his pursuit of G-d's justice in serving at risk youth both domestically and abroad. Lastly, Ron touches on the importance of time, patience, relationship, and community to address the problems and issues impacting at risk youth. Time and small talk lead to relationship as well as inspire change. Sometimes there is no specific formula other than experience, patience, and time. Ron's experience working at New Horizons for 25 years consistently reveals that reality.

[Alana Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was incredibly touched by the stories, and by Ron's compassion and humility. Of the many things I came away with I most appreciated how Ron helped me see more clearly how my history and background impact how I interact with all people, but in particular, with those who are different than I am.

What impressed me most about the book was that it left me with feelings of hope, a difficult thing to do when dealing with a subject such as this. And I didn't feel overwhelmed despite the incredible need it describes, but rather, I came away with a greater understanding and acceptance of the truth of Mother Teresa's words, "We can do no great things, only small things with great love."

I highly recommend this book to anyone who has ever come across someone of any age whose life appears broken.

[Seth Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great little book on street ministry and the power to learn from those right in front of us, wherever we are. I can hear Ron's voice telling these stories, his humor and candor make them all the more powerful. Reminds me of days at the Portland Rescue Mission or walking East Hastings in Vancouver, BC at night with college students. A helpful reminder for me to look, see, and love wherever I find myself.

[Shari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ron Ruthruff has spent 25 years doing ministry with street kids in Seattle. He urges us to stop seeing street kids as a problem to be solved, but instead as people created in the image of God, typically running from horrible circumstances, able to meet God deeply in their suffering and be incredible teachers to us. His book is more of a perspective realignment than a how-to manual. His work takes humility and a long- term commitment. Great book.

[Kate Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wished Ron had spent more time on the thematic than on the particular, though the stories are illuminative and impactful. It reads as a sort of love letter to New Horizons and street kids; I would have liked to see more exposition.

[Kia Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is "thy kingdom come"!!!!!