Book Study – Compassionate Giving

Compassionate Giving: Promoting Dignity and Self-Reliance in our Mission By Judy Ganz

We are planning a 5-session, hour-long, study of this book over the summer, beginning on Tuesday, June 17th, at 7:00 pm, and continuing at the same time on July 1, July 8, July 15, and concluding July 22. We may be able to be flexible to adjust meeting times to fit with the summer schedule of participants. The foreword and introduction should be read prior to the first session.

The book reflects Judy’s life as a missionary in Nicaragua and her subsequent work with our global partners through the Board of World Mission (BWM). It attempts to answer the question for those of us in North America: How can we best fulfill God’s mandate to share our wealth in compassionate giving? Chapters cover scriptures related to sharing our wealth with others, along with examples of the potential negative impacts of that sharing that have been seen both locally and globally in mission. Cultural differences will be addressed, as well as inherent biases and assumptions that we all bring to our relationships. The book briefly reviews foundational elements of Moravian mission, as well as how the BWM more recently has addressed the dependency that had developed among its global partners. In some respects, it raises more questions than answers. I look forward to rich discussion around the issues presented in the book as we try to faithfully follow God’s call to share our wealth with others.

Please let Judy know if you want to participate jmganz@gmail.com; 608-469-3134, or sign up at the church). For those who don’t already have a book, Judy has some copies and can get more at a reduced cost of $7.00.