"It is time for the church, yes, the whole church, to take a whole

gospel on a whole mission to the whole world..... It is time for us to prove that the purpose of the gospel is to reconcile alienated people to God and to each other, across racial, cultural, social, and economic barriers."

John Perkins has committed his life to bringing reconciliation and development to broken communities of America. In his efforts to meet the physical and spiritual needs of the poor, he has recognized that the problems are larger than can be met by the handful of Christians presently devoted to this ministry. All in the body of Christ must feel the pain and be willing to offer themselves to bring hope, transformation, dignity, and rest. Our cities are not crying for charity, which can be done at arm's length, but for people with love that reconciles and involvement that changes strangers into friends.

Not everyone is called to move to the inner city to minister there, but everyone is called to have a heart for its hurting people. Perkins shows us how to be sensitive to our brothers and sisters, come up with innovative and effective ministries, and count the cost.