I'm reading this at the same time I'm listening to "State of Freedom", also dealing with India. That book doesn't mention castes, but does tell of the lives of various poverty-stricken people.
Yohannan's plea for the need to help the children in India is strongly based on his christian beliefs. "The reason for such brutality, pain, abuse and all suffering is, in a word, sin...Satan...is at the source of this heartache..." (p.38) He identifies moral values as 'biblical"(p.105) rather than acknowledging that these are universal values espoused by many religions. He recounts one man, who was caught in the debt trap of paying off his father's loans and feeling hopeless about ever getting free, until he was healed in the name of Jesus and now bikes around feeling hopeful (p.53-5). So, tell me, did this missionary group hire him? Did they pay off his debts? How, specifically, is he now able to provide for his own wife along with his parents & siblings? Later we find out that the missions do provide material benefits. It is easy to see why the author is working so hard to convince people that they should donate. If his support base dries up, why should the poor people "convert"?

Begins with 2 pages of "Terms and Concepts" regarding the caste system. Contains FAQ and "Believe it Or Not" statistics as appendices. Has sources for facts cited in the ending Notes (many of which are news media articles) ( )

If you are not an overly zealous fan of Christianity and charity, this book may not be your cup of tea. It did seem a bit repetitive in certain parts, but I think that might simply be because the author really tries to drill information into you. There were several times that I became sad while reading this book, which I think is partly the point. Sometimes, we need to read heartbreaking books to make us aware of the plight of others. ( )

At times difficult to read with heart-breaking accounts of children + families in desperate conditions. Provides some details of how compassionate ministries help change lives.

I HAVE BEEN MADE AWARE OF ALLEGATIONS AGAINST THIS AUTHOR AND THE MINISTRY OF GFA, I AM CURRENTLY RESEARCHING THEM......

The author came to preach at my church in England about 10 years ago. I was convicted and challenged along with many others that day. His passion for reaching the lost and dying world with the saving message of hope in Jesus is contagious. I subsequently read his free book Revolution in World Missions and later went to the field myself.

Gospel for Asia--the Christian mission founded by the author focuses on using indigenous people to take the Gospel to their own. The principle is that these people already know the culture and language, they have a heart for their fellow citizens and of course, the whole procedure is cheaper. Whilst I do not agree that we should abandon cross-cultural missions completely, the author's principle is a good one.

This book is effectively attempting to raise the plight of the Dalits or Untouchables in India. The caste system is still in operation in many localities despite efforts to eradicate and life is hopeless for many born into this situation who are treated as little more than slum-dogs. The author tells stories of hope found in the midst and offers suggestions for help generally through giving financially or sponsoring a child. GFA sets up Bridge of Hope centres providing education, resources, basic food, clothing and shelter to children in crisis. They assess the needs of a community and seek to meet them practically to obtain an audience for the Gospel. But the author remains keen not to lose the central message in a social Gospel

I believe, we must do all we can to alleviate pain and suffering in those around us. This sort of concern for others is a natural fruit of the Gospel. But we must never minister to someone physical needs at the expense of preaching Christ.

This is the author's second free book which you can obtain from the GFA website if you are interested in learning more about this mission. I highly recommend the book both for the stories and for ideas for stewardship.

This is a religious book first and foremost. It does have some touching stories of children in India's slums, but it wasn't what I expected. ( )