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Go and Do Likewise: A Call to Follow Jesus in a Life of Mercy and Mission

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Learning to Extend God’s Compassion to Those Who Need It Most 

In love, Jesus came to redeem sinful people and restore a fallen world, and he invites all of his followers to join this good work. But how can believers effectively care for their neighbors when life is so marred by sin and suffering? Is it possible for ordinary Christians to participate in God’s mission to restore a broken world?

From a theological perspective, Go and Do Likewise explores God’s grand story of redemption to uncover how ordinary Christians can extend God’s compassion to those in need. Author Amy DiMarcangelo builds on biblical principles and provides discussion questions for everyday application. This practical book encourages believers to joyfully engage in Christ’s mission—relying on the gospel to spur mercy, justice, and generosity to those who need it most. 

Explores the Gospel to Shape Christlike  Encourages believers to show mercy, justice, generosity, and love to those who need it most   Discussion questions provide readers with reflection and everyday application Appeals to Laypeople and Church Leaders  Encourages the everyday Christian and provides church leaders with practical actions for church ministry

193 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 5, 2023

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Amy Dimarcangelo

4 books3 followers

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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Profile Image for Amber Thiessen.
Author 1 book36 followers
October 16, 2023
{first posted here: https://www.amberthiessen.com/post/go...}

Along the dusty roads of our village in East Africa, most families try to survive on less than $1 a day. Buckets of water traveled to the well and back on the heads of robust women. Vegetables were dug up from a garden. From their fields they find wood for fuel to cook. As subsistence farmers they work to eat.

Anytime people require something beyond their daily sustenance, a significant strain lands like the thud of a falling jackfruit.

Every year there are school fees to pay and uniforms to find. If a family member becomes unwell, there’s a cost for medications or a bus ride to the hospital. Illness was the main reason neighbors would arrive at my door, since I was a nurse and we had a vehicle.

The needs surrounding us were great and overwhelming at times.

We resolved to be faithful with the needs we were presented with, to do our best teaching better farming techniques, proper handwashing and basic management of symptoms. Though the help we provided felt miniscule, we trusted the Lord to do all that we could not.

In Amy DiMarcangelo’s new book, Go and Do Likewise, she responds to Christ’s call of showing mercy and provides us with the challenge and encouragement to dig deep in applying this to our life.

Content
Purpose of the Book
This book is written to teach us how to help when we’re overwhelmed with all the needs in this world. It’s to guide us to live meaningfully on mission in the mundane. And, it’s to remind us of our calling to a redemptive work in the world through mission.

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER 1 God’s Story Shapes Our Perspective
CHAPTER 2 Who Is My Neighbor?
CHAPTER 3 Imitators of God
CHAPTER 4 Orphans and Widows and Sojourners and . . .
CHAPTER 5 The Power of Words
CHAPTER 6 The Mission of Money
CHAPTER 7 Our Homes Are a Base for Mercy
CHAPTER 8 Where Do We Go from Here?

Summary
The first three chapters give us a foundation of understanding to see God’s redemptive work in the world and our calling to imitate him in acts of service. The next 5 chapters explore the different ways we give of our time, finances and efforts to bless and encourage people around us.

You’ll find discussion questions at the close of each chapter which really prompt you to consider how to practically apply these truths to your life and identify what holds you back.

I think you’ll also find the Appendix at the end helpful, as she provides a list of areas and questions to consider when it comes to discerning which organizations to support.

My Take
The call to follow Jesus in a life of mercy and mission doesn’t have to look the same as one in a developing nation.

Love and mercy require sacrifice. In the truest sense, there’s no way we can love and serve others without it costing something of ourselves, no matter where we are.

I think about how our mud home became a place of refuge for those looking for help . Prayers were raised to Christ and he provided answers. Trips to the hospital turned into gospel conversations.

Since returning to Canada, working at the hospital has just meant serving others in a new location. Working particularly now with those struggling with their mental health, there’s much wisdom and discernment I need to help guide others—I carry their burden with them for a short time, in an expression of love and care.

Our time, money and prayers can be a gift to those around us. I really appreciate how the author travels across the spectrum of our lives to open our eyes to the possibilities to serve people around us.

My Recommendation
If you need encouragement toward living with a missional heart and life, I’d encourage you to pick this one up.

If you notice you’ve been retreating to a life with yourself as the center (and let's be honest, we're all here at times) here’s an opportunity to grow in reaching out to others.

This is 5 stars from me!

Quick Stats
# of Pages: 192
Level of Difficulty: Easy
My Rating: 5 stars

*A big thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC and for the opportunity to post an honest review!
Profile Image for Amanda.
189 reviews23 followers
August 27, 2023
Go and Do Likewise is an absolute gem of a read. It’s not terribly long but every sentence packs a punch, and I found myself marveling at the level of nuance she demonstrates throughout. This book on mercy is not one you’ll want to skim, it’s a challenging and thorough look into a life lived mercifully in all areas. The exhortations in every chapter begs for further discussion, and as every chapter ends with questions for discussion, this is the perfect book to read with friends or with a church group.

I cannot say enough good things about this book. My intent was to quickly digest it all and move on to my next read as I found myself pausing to chew over and over, I soon realized this book was not going to let me off easily. It examines living with mercy in the gift of your time, your money, your thoughts, your hospitality… etc, there is so much meat packed into 8 chapters.

I’d like to thank Crossway and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and I can honestly say this will be one that I will purchase for my own personal library. Standing ovations from me. What a well written body of work. Thank you for your words, Amy. The world needs your heart. Im so grateful that you’re sharing it with us.
Profile Image for Sumner Adkins.
216 reviews
September 6, 2023
I received an ARC from Crossway through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

"Go and Do Likewise" is the book I've been waiting for. Finally a book that's not just inspirational to take the gospel to the nations, but provides tangible advice for how to serve in your own backyard. Amy DiMarcangelo is completely honest and vulnerable with her audience as she talks about serving with refugees, the tension to up and leave to go overseas, and how to balance a marriage and kids while also furthering the kingdom. She covers what it means to love others like Christ while removing politics from the picture.

"Go and Do Likewise" is a Great Commission, global work, gospel-centered book that also encourages believers to step out and serve locally. Through everything that DiMarcangelo writes, the gospel remains the motive behind everything. This book has challenged me, encouraged me, and edified me to love Jesus even deeply so that an overflow to love others would take place.

Personally, I think Amy and I would be great friends because a lot of what she had to say, I was able to relate to. I would recommend this book to anyone who is wanting to understand what it means to love our neighbors from a biblical perspective and not a political one. To the person who wants to feel as if they're having real honest conversation about what it means to follow Jesus and the Holy Spirit's leading with the author over a cup of coffee, this is the book for you. This is definitely a book I will be recommending to friends in the future!
Profile Image for Michelle Kidwell.
Author 36 books83 followers
August 15, 2023
Go and Do Likewise
A Call to Follow Jesus in a Life of Mercy and Mission
by Amy DiMarcangelo
Pub Date 26 Sep 2023
Crossway
Christian


Netgalley and Crossway have provided me with a copy of Go and Do Likewise for review:


God's Compassion: Extending it to The Most Needy 

It is through his love that Jesus came to redeem sinful people and restore a fallen world, and he invites his followers to join him in this good work. However, how can believers effectively care for their neighbors when they are surrounded by sin and suffering? Can ordinary Christians participate in God's mission to restore a broken world?

Theologically, Go and Do Likewise reveals how ordinary Christians can extend God's compassion to those in need through God's grand story of redemption. DiMarcangelo provides discussion questions based on biblical principles. In this practical book, believers are challenged to joyfully engage in Christ's mission by relying on the gospel to spur mercy, justice, and generosity. 

Explores the Gospel to Shape Christlike Christians: Encourages believers to show mercy, justice, generosity, and love to those in need 


Readers are encouraged to reflect on and apply the discussion questions to their everyday lives.


Aimed at both laypeople and church leaders: Encourages everyday Christians and provides church leaders with practical strategies for ministry


I give Go and Do Likewise five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!
Profile Image for Shellie Contos.
23 reviews
February 15, 2024
I enjoyed this book for the most part and found much of it convicting. I loved that the author included practical steps to take to serve others in the last chapter.

I did have issue with the sentence about the legal status of immigrants not mattering. It is far from loving our neighbor to allow criminals to enter the country, and illegally entering immediately reveals that they are willing to disregard our laws.

I also didn’t care for the privilege language. God’s justice doesn’t put anyone above another. We’re all equal, regardless of skin color or income. Love God and love your neighbors, whoever they may be. No need to feed into that myth that people today aren’t given opportunities because of the color of their skin or social/economic status.

Again, 90% of the book was fantastic, it was just those couple of sections that make me less excited to recommend it to others, especially the younger Christian who may be tempted towards a more progressive, less biblical ideology.
Profile Image for Christine.
197 reviews
January 15, 2024
Challenging and convicting yet balanced. Gospel centered and much needed.
44 reviews1 follower
December 26, 2024
Well written. Great refresher! Good info on what to "do" and how to do it!
Profile Image for Elizabeth Mayberry.
283 reviews23 followers
August 14, 2024
This book wasn't really anything like I expected. I was hoping/ thinking it would be more on practically loving your neighbors (I've been trying to intentionally know people who live near me which feels increasingly hard with garages and high fences) but it was a lot more mission minded, specifically oversees. Amy's passions are clearly for refugees and sex-trafficking victims so much of the book speaks to global issues / not turning a blind eye to injustice. While I think this is very important and necessary to help create a love and life of mercy, I was hoping for a book on ministry in the place the Lord has placed you - ex: your neighborhood, your parks, kids schools, grocery store, etc. But even thought it wasn't expecting, there were some good words and encouragement in these pages.

I loved her chapter on prayer and it's value and importance in mercy and mission. Also, I loved her ideas of practically working in prayer for your community and the world with your kids by having a prayer calendar! One of my action steps is to do that in our home. I was also inspired and convicted by her boldness for justice and to be a voice for those who have no voice - it is important we know the heart of God and are a voice for His justice and care.

I didn't however agree with her at all when she said Charles Spurgeon would be called woke or a social justice warrior for being anti-slavery since people in the church didn't agree with him and wanted to live in their sin (p.100). Slavery (heartbreakingly) was something accepted by many in the church but it also clearly went against the scriptures and the heart of God. It was Christians who lead the way in the abolishment of slavery BECAUSE it went against the heart of God. Woke ideology (LGBT relationships, trans affirming) is rejected by many in the church now because it goes against the scriptures and the heart of God, and isn't loving or truth-filled. Not because we are wanting to be blind to our oppression and turn away from justice. Social Justice Warriors fight against perceived injustices to make themselves look good & to go along with the popular culture, but they don't do anything to help the poor. I just feel like it is a odd comparison. Preaching against slavery is more related to preaching against abortion, sex-slavery, pornography, etc which is anti-culture vs woke which follows culture. I get that she wants us to be more Biblically minded than political, but this communicates the importance of looking good over loving by Truth telling and sticking with the gospel.

In later chapters (like the one on hospitality), she brings "love your neighbors" to include the people around you and that God has placed in your path which I did enjoy. Overall, filled with good Truths & the challenge to not live comfortably, many that are Biblically grounded, just an interesting word choice that implies a lot.
Profile Image for Jennie.
348 reviews31 followers
September 27, 2023
Go and Do – A Call to Follow Jesus in a Life of Mercy and Mission by Amy DiMarcangelo is a new book about how we as Christians are called to go and do in different ways and different places. However, maybe you feel overwhelmed with all the needs you see or worry you are not doing enough. This book helps answer those questions while showing examples and what God’s Word has to say.

This book is well wrote with first explaining what the Bible says, who our neighbor is, and ways we can serve as Christians. Also, it reminds us we may not do big things, but we can serve in the ordinary every day. I really liked the last chapter, which reminds us that after reading this book, we actually need to put it into practice. Not just read it and forget or read it and feel overwhelmed in our convictions.

This would make a great book study to read with your church, as there are discussion questions at the end of each chapter.

Here are some highlights from my reading:

When the church faithfully stands on the front lines to care for those in need, it strengthens our witness. When we don’t, it damages it.
He shows us how far neighbor is meant to extend and that true mercy involves risk, time, and generosity to care for those in need.
The more we walk in the fear of the Lord, the less other fears will factor into our decisions.
Saving faith always produces good works.
God hasn’t designed prayer as a last resort – that practice we do because our hands are tied. It’s meant to be our first, middle, and final course of action.
We shouldn’t passively adopt the mindset of “Wait for God to open a door” or ” Let go and let God.” Jesus doesn’t take the wheel and drive us through serene and open roads while we close our eyes and await our destination. He teaches us to navigate roadblocks, work through confusion, and overcome challenges in order to obey. He leads us and enables us to take responsibility.
Make the glory of God your greatest ambition. But don’t get caught up in the sparkly and spectacular. Don’t chase after a sense of significance or try to conquer the world for Christ. God celebrates faithfulness, and faithfulness rarely feels inspiring.
Profile Image for Markie.
474 reviews34 followers
August 4, 2023
"Go and Do Likewise: A Call to Follow Jesus in a Life of Mercy and Mission" by Amy DiMarcangelo is a theological and practical exploration of how ordinary Christians can extend God's compassion to those in need and actively participate in God's mission to restore a broken world. The book delves into the redemptive narrative of the Gospel and offers insights on how believers can embody Christ's teachings of mercy, justice, generosity, and love.

The central premise of the book revolves around the idea that Jesus came to redeem a fallen world and invites his followers to join in this redemptive work. In a world marked by sin and suffering, the author explores how Christians can effectively care for their neighbors and make a positive impact. Drawing from biblical principles, Amy DiMarcangelo provides readers with a theological framework that encourages believers to engage joyfully in Christ's mission.

The book is not only theoretical but also highly practical. It includes discussion questions that facilitate reflection and application, making it suitable for individual study, group discussions, or even church ministry. The author aims to inspire both everyday Christians and church leaders to embrace a Christlike approach to compassion, justice, and generosity.

"Go and Do Likewise" offers a fresh perspective on how believers can respond to the call of Jesus to extend love and care to those in need. By exploring the Gospel's transformative power and its relevance to contemporary challenges, the book encourages readers to become agents of positive change in their communities and beyond. Whether you are seeking a deeper understanding of God's compassion or looking for actionable steps to make a difference, this book provides valuable insights and guidance.

Overall, "Go and Do Likewise" presents a compelling message of mercy, mission, and the transformative impact of living out the Gospel's teachings. It encourages readers to embrace their role in God's redemptive story and become vessels of compassion and hope in a world that desperately needs it.
Profile Image for Andrew Robertson.
Author 1 book4 followers
August 6, 2025
My church had us read this book in preparation for going on a mission trip. This was definitely a poor choice. It is certainly NOT a missions book. It is more a book about how to live out the Christian faith; though, even that description is too generous for what the book actually is. A more accurate description is "a pep rally or TED talk in book form to inspire people to do good in spite of difficulties." It's not all it's cracked up to be.

As I was reading this book, I wanted to rate it anywhere from 2 stars to 4 stars. Why? There are several reasons.
This book was rambling and all over the place. For example, in the chapter about hospitality, the author switches to talking about how husbands and wives should support one another; it's not a bad topic, but it just doesn't fit with what the author was trying to say.
The book also offered some very sloppy biblical exegesis. But, at the same time, the author also makes some good points.
This book is very social justice focused. Some of the focus on immigrants and sexually abused individuals is good. But I am still hesitant to recommend this book to anyone.

In conclusion, this book was certainly nothing special. There was nothing overtly bad or unbiblical, but nothing really good or new either.

If you're looking for a book to read prior to a mission trip, read "Missions: How the Local Church Goes Global" (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...). It is SIGNIFICANTLY better and will provide far better preparation for your team before and after it enters the mission field.
Profile Image for Nichole.
52 reviews15 followers
August 31, 2023
Go and Do Likewise, written by Amy DiMarcangelo, is the missions book I have been waiting for. This is the book written for those looking to do “more” but are not exactly sure what that means or where to begin. More than a mere call to action, Go and Do Likewise delivers a much needed reminder of who we are as Christians and what that means to call ourselves such - especially today.

“God doesn’t need our help - yet he chooses to work through us. This is a privilege. A blessed calling. An exciting endeavor.” - Amy DiMarcangelo, Go and Do Likewise

Amy DiMarcangelo presents scripture alongside the very need to put our own mission into action. What are the needs of the world? Who is my neighbor? What do I have to offer? What of the many paths is my own to take? How can I show His love and mercy? Why have I been called?

Packed with thoughtful discussion questions throughout, Go and Do Likewise gives the reader plenty opportunity to dig deep and perhaps uncover what speaks loudest to them. I would encourage Christian book clubs and church groups to consider this title. It is an excellent solo read but I imagine the many wonderful conversations coming from a group read or buddy read.

“We don’t do good works so we would be seen, but so that he would be.” - Amy DiMarcangelo, Go and Do Likewise

I want to sincerely thank Crossway, NetGalley and especially Amy DiMarcangelo for the opportunity to read and share my thoughts on this book.
Profile Image for Kasia Hubbard.
533 reviews19 followers
December 19, 2024
Go and Do Likewise: A Call to Follow Jesus in a Life of Mercy and Mission by Amy Dimarcangelo is such a down to earth practical book. Easy to read and full of tangible ways of walking out our mission. While there is so much hurting all across the world, it can be overwhelming in knowing exactly where to start and what to do. Amy breaks it down to more easily tangible ways of what we can do here and now as we go about our lives. She shows excellent ways on what we can do as well as pointers on what not to do by her own lived experiences.
I absolutely loved this book and I highly recommend it to others. We all want to live on mission for Christ, but not all of us are called to start big ministries or become missionaries. Amy really gives us the heart of the message from Christ, love people here where we are. As Amy shows us different ways we can begin in the chapters of the book, I have to say my favorite chapter is the last one. Basically that we can get informed of all the ways to dive in, but it until we "go and do likewise", we're just gathering information. We have to apply it, live it out daily, and dive fully in. LOVE IT!!!
This book is great for personal reading as well as small groups. There are discussion questions included that will help one discuss each chapter.
*I received a copy of this book from Crossway. This review is my own opinion*
Profile Image for Brooke Fradd.
721 reviews3 followers
August 18, 2023
I appreciated both the meat of this book, as well as the supplemental materials. In the chapters, the author broke down Biblical principles in easily understandable and relatable ways. She followed each chapter with questions for further discussion, which help the reader dive a bit deeper. While there is nothing groundbreaking about the format, I find her execution of it better than most. The questions didn’t come off as filler material, as many do.

I also appreciated how the real world examples were shared from a place of humility. The author also provides an appendix on how to properly vet charities - good stewardship is more than giving. It’s making sure the financial gifts are used wisely.

I received a copy of this book from NetGally, for the purposes of review
13 reviews
March 30, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ Saw this book on Crossway and have been meaning to read it. Pastor recently preached on the Good Samaritan passage, so I thought to pick it up. I like how the author pairs her story in the context of the chapters, as it is helpful to see an example of compassion lived out. The chapters on money, possessions, conclusion, and appendix were worth reading/referencing. The stories were more in the individual context than the local church context, which I would have appreciated more from her. This book is worth reading in the context of other books about being neighborly, mission, compassion care, etc.
337 reviews2 followers
August 26, 2023
I received a promotional ebook from Netgalley though the following is my honest opinion. This is a great book. It gives a lot of great insight from the Bible and biblical literature. It also gives a lot of practicals from the author's life and the examples of people she knows. It really inspired me to be more focused on mercy and putting my faith into practice.
Profile Image for Emerald Bell.
17 reviews
August 8, 2025
This book dives deep into living life on missions from you are living. I loved the ways that she dove deep into many different ways to be on mission that I had never thought about before. I really liked the real life examples she gave as well that allow the reader to see how easy it can be to live out the gospel.
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