"To strive to do the best things in the worst times is to have a vision of hope. It is to back life's scent against its stench. It is a belief in the capacity of the human spirit to discover a better way and above all, to yield to the trans-forming work of Jesus Christ, not "once upon a time," but day in and day out. I have seen this spirit of hope in the darkest corners of the earth."

With a burning vision of hope, Graeme Irvine tells from its beginnings the remarkable story of World Vision, the internationally recognized humanitarian agency which has brought the Gospel with food, hope and renewal to thou-sands of suffering people in every corner of the globe. Retiring in 1995 from the presidency of World Vision, Graeme presents a retrospective narrative that intertwines 28 years of his life and service with that of the internation-al development organization whose charity has exemplified with heart and wisdom the truest spirit of Christianity.