Submerge: Living Deep in a Shallow World: Service, Justice and Contemplation Among the World's Poor

by John B. Hayes

It’s time to change the face of poverty, to live our faith authentically and to get involved with the people who need help. It’s time to sub-merge ourselves, to go deep— beneath the surface of shallow living—and make a difference in our world! Follow author John Hayes as he lives out his faith on some of the toughest streets and poorest ghettos in the world. Learn what real compassion looks like in the trenches. Discover why people of faith cannot ignore the poor and how the St. Francis model of compassion can help alleviate suffering today. You’ll also be energized to action through an inside look at the workings of InnerCHANGE, a mission organization that seeks to work among the poor, rather than just offering aid and handouts. Readers will come away with practical ways they can work for justice and find significance in the process.

Genres: Spirituality, Social Justice, Justice, Christian

304 pages, Paperback

First published December 6, 2006

Reviews

[Stuart Houghton · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a Christian missionary (not living among the poor, I admit), I appreciate everything that John Hays has to say in this book. I particularly appreciated his emphasis on action/reflection, on apprenticeship, and on mission primarily as fellowship with people rather than being busy with tasks and programmes. Highly recommended.

[Ryan and Sara Wendt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book about how to do missions alongside people on the margins!

[Paul Birch · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very open an honest discussion on poverty and our response to it. This is not a short-term mission experience but a heart that is devoted to living in the poverty of others. A lovely chapter describing the authors own battle with ownership and possession. A lot of missional experiences seems always tainted with the notion that modern missionaries play it safe. They all seem to have an 'eject' button for those desperate times, they don't burn the boats. Holding their breath until they cant take it anymore. There is honesty in the author's experience, true sacrifice, and empathy for the lost.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

an anthem to anyone committed to work with the marginalized and underresourced.

it was well written and a much-needed modern manual for those who follow Jesus.

[Brandon · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you only read one thing I recommend, make this one it.