WHAT DOES GOD EXPECT OF US? Is our faith just about going to church, studying the Bible and avoiding the most serious sins—or does God expect more? Have we embraced the whole gospel or a gospel with a hole in it? Ten years ago, Rich Stearns came face-to-face with that question as he sat in a mud hut in Rakai, Uganda, listening to the heartbreaking story of an orphaned child. Stearns’ journey there took much more than a long flight to Africa. It took answering God’s call on his life, a call that tore him out of his corner office at one of America’s most prestigious corporations—to walk with the poorest of the poor in our world. The Hole in Our Gospel is the compelling true story of a corporate CEO who set aside worldly success for something far more significant, and discovered the full power of the gospel of Jesus Christ to change his own life. He uses his journey to demonstrate how the gospel—the whole gospel—was always meant to be a world changing social revolution, a revolution that begins with us. ECPA 2010 Christian Book of the Year Award Winner! “Read this compelling story and urgent call for change—Richard Stearns is a contemporary Amos crying ‘let justice roll down like waters….’ Justice is a serious gospel-prophetic mandate. Far too many American Christians for too long a time have left the cause to ‘others.’ Read it as an altar call.” --Eugene H. Peterson, translator of The Message, Professor Emeritus of Spiritual Theology, Regent College, Vancouver, BC “Rich Stearns calls us to exhilarating obedience to God’s life-altering, world-changing command to reflect his love to our neighbors at home and globally. The Hole in Our Gospel is imbued with the hope of what is possible when God’s people are transformed to live radically in light of his great love." --Gary Haugen, President & CEO, International Justice Mission “Richard Stearns is quite simply one of the finest leaders I have ever known.... When he became president of World Vision I had a front row seat to witness the way God used his mind and heart to inspire thousands.... His new book, The Hole In Our Gospel will call you to a higher level of discipleship.... Now is the time...Richard Stearns has the strategy...your move!” --Bill Hybels, Founding and Senior Pastor, Willow Creek Community Church, South Barrington, IL “Rich Stearns has given us a book that makes absolutely clear what God hopes for and expects from each of us.... He reminded me of my personal responsibilities and the priority I must give them and also where life’s true rewards and fulfillment are to be found.” --Jim Morris, former executive director, United Nations World Food Program "World Vision plays a strategic role on our globe. As the largest relief organization in the history of the world, they initiate care and respond to crisis. Rich Stearns navigates this mercy mission with great skill. His book urges us to think again about the opportunity to love our neighbor and comfort the afflicted. His message is timely and needed. May God bless him, the mission of World Vision and all who embrace it." --Max Lucado, author of 3:16—The Numbers of Hope, Minister of Writing and Preaching, Oak Hills Church, San Antonio, TX “With passionate urging and earnestness, Rich Stearns challenges Christians to embrace the whole Gospel of Jesus Christ by embracing the neediest and most vulnerable among us. After reading the moving stories, the compelling facts and figures, and Stearns’ excellent application of scripture and his own experiences at World Vision, you will no doubt be asking yourself: What should I do?” --Chuck Colson, Founder, Prison Fellowship
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"This was an amazing book about what God expects of us. God wants us to share the gospel by living it not just be preaching it. Richard Stearns stepped out in faith and became CEO of World Vision which is itself an amazing company!! "
— Kristin (5 out of 5 stars)
“An urgent, powerful summons to live like Jesus. Stearns weaves solid theology, moving stories, and his own journey of faith into a compelling call to live the whole Gospel. Highly recommended!”
— Ronald J. Sider, president of Evangelicals for Social Action and author of Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger" Read this with our small group from church. The questions in back made for some great discussions in our group. Pretty eye-opening and inspiring, and makes me respect and trust World Vision even more. What a great organization! "
— Katie, 5/20/2011" Challenging, thought provoking, inspirational, and confusing. Give it all up or just little pieces at a time. Either way, time to do something.<br/> "
— Ken, 5/15/2011" I agree with a lot of what he discussed, but his message was more guilt-driven rather than inspiring. "
— Alisa, 4/27/2011" Very Awesome, Very Christian. Biography mixed with philosophy of Richard Stearns who has been/is president of a great mission outreach.. World Vision. "
— Deb, 4/19/2011" This book is a fantastic testimony by Richard Sterns of how God called him from his comfort zone into missions. A must-read for anyone passionate about going beyond the four walls of the church. "
— David, 4/16/2011" I absolutely loved this book. It's a must read for Christian living. "
— Emilee, 4/14/2011" Rich Stearns does a nice job sharing his own journey and laying out a fairly basic, but believable, argument about an appropriate Christian response to poverty. "
— Presley, 4/8/2011" CEO of World Vision - his journey, call, challenge. A tad long! "
— MariAn, 2/26/2011Richard Stearns brought nearly twenty-five years of corporate experience to World Vision when he became its president in June 1998. He also holds a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University and an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. His professional career began in marketing with the Gillette Company before he held various roles with Parker Brothers Games, culminating in his appointment as president in 1984. In 1985, he became a vice president at the Franklin Mint, then joined Lenox in 1987 as president of Lenox Collections. In 1995 he was named president and chief executive officer of Lenox, Inc. As president of World Vision, he is responsible for US operations, which include fundraising, advocacy, and program development. He lives with his wife in Bellevue, Washington, with their five children.
Tommy Cresswell is a film, television, and voice actor. His acting credits include supporting roles in Cast Away, Stroke of Genius, and The Client, among many others. As a voice actor, he has narrated film scores, television commercials, and audiobooks.