A Twist of Faith: An American Christian's Quest to Help Orphans in Africa

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A Twist of Faith: An American Christian's Quest to Help Orphans in Africa

3.73 of 5 stars 3.73 · rating details · 11 ratings · 6 reviews

American Christians, veteran reporter John Donnelly has discovered, are an ever-increasing source of aid in Africa, with some experts estimating that U.S. churches supply more resources to Africa than USAID. In A Twist of Faith, he tells the unlikely story of how faith and determination compelled one such American Christian to travel to Africa and open a school for childre...more

Hardcover, 200 pages

Published July 10th 2012 by Beacon Press (first published May 1st 2012)

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Aug 22, 2012 James rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: missional, justice

Maybe it is the unknown. Or maybe it is the images we all have seen of starving children with their sunken eyes and distended bellies, but nothing seems to pull at the heartstrings of the Christian community more than the plight of orphans in Africa. This is especially true when you consider the reality of war, drought and an AIDS epidemic which is ravishing the continent. Many American do-gooders have gone to Africa, see the need, and feel compelled to take action. They send money, start orphan...more Maybe it is the unknown. Or maybe it is the images we all have seen of starving children with their sunken eyes and distended bellies, but nothing seems to pull at the heartstrings of the Christian community more than the plight of orphans in Africa. This is especially true when you consider the reality of war, drought and an AIDS epidemic which is ravishing the continent. Many American do-gooders have gone to Africa, see the need, and feel compelled to take action. They send money, start orphanages, schools and feeding centers; however, despite their good intentions and heartfelt concern, the efforts of missionaries and NGO's do not always give what Africans need or want and sometimes end up compounding problems.

John Donnelly, a journalist with the Boston Globe and a Kaiser Family Foundation fellow, has written a book exploring the effects of American (Christian) intervention with orphans in Africa. While he provides factual data and analysis of what Christians (and other Americans) are doing in Africa and the impact it is having, much of the book tells the story of David Nixon, a carpenter from North Carolina who grows concerned about Africa through his participation on the Mission's committee at his church. Nixon travels to Malawi, where he intends to start an orphanage, though this is not what the people there want. He amends his original plan and starts a school and feeding center which helps 350 children (who still get to go home and are cared for those in their own community). Donnelly's narrative of Nixon unfolds his struggle to keep his mission afloat while facing financial and internal challenges, Nixon's struggle to understand and minister effectively in an African context, and the personal challenges he faces at home in North Carolina.

Donnelly paints a sympathetic portrait of Nixon, who becomes more and more astute about how to best help the Africans. But the over all message of Donnelly's book goes farther than Nixon. Donnelly challenges American Christians to pay attention to 'how' they set about helping their neighbors in Africa. He interviews both Africans and community based non-profits who talk about the damaging ways in which American Christians have come with preconceived notions of what Africa needs without ever listening to the community that they have come to serve. Donnelly makes a strong case for community based development, where outsiders work with local communities to discover what they need. From what I know of community development (albeit in a Western context) this seems like the right approach. However I think more needs to be said about how leadership of these initiatives becomes indigenized.

Donnelly makes a compelling case against Christian missionaries starting foreign orphanages. There are no more orphanages in America because people have seen how placing a child in institutional care damages them psycho-socially. Instead, we have, for its promises opted for placing orphans in foster and permanent care. When you take a child from another culture and place them in an orphanage, the problem is compounded. You have children who grow up apart from their local community and when they are released from the orphanage (because they come of age) cannot function in their own culture because it is foreign to them. Working with the local community seems to be what will give orphans their best chance.

Towards the end of the book, Nixon makes similar observations about 'feeding centers' not addressing the root of problems but fostering dependence. The book ends with the future of Nixon's organization in Malawi uncertain. But I am impressed by the integrity and humility of Nixon and hope that, with all that he has learned, he continues his mission to help the children of Malawi, even if he still doesn't get everything right (do any of us?).

If this book is of interest to you, here is a link to chapter one on Scribd: http://www.scribd.com/doc/97847562/Chapter-1-Twist-of-Faith

And here is a link to David Nixon's organization The NOAH project: http://www.thenoahproject.org/NOAH/NOAH_Home.html

Note: Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author and/or publisher through the Speakeasy blogging book review network. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR,Part 255.(less)

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Aug 05, 2012 M_h_w rated it 4 of 5 stars

Talk to anyone who identifies as a Christian and you’ll likely hear stories of travels to other places to help those in need (i.e., mission trips) and/or a desire to help others–particularly children who have no families to call their own. It’s the reason many people travel to other countries and spend time in orphanages–or send money to other countries to build an orphanage or a school or some other likely much needed outpost for a marginalized part of the population.

Those same people will have...more Talk to anyone who identifies as a Christian and you’ll likely hear stories of travels to other places to help those in need (i.e., mission trips) and/or a desire to help others–particularly children who have no families to call their own. It’s the reason many people travel to other countries and spend time in orphanages–or send money to other countries to build an orphanage or a school or some other likely much needed outpost for a marginalized part of the population.

Those same people will have wonderful stories to tell and will describe how those experiences impacted them individually as well as the hope that they made some type of difference wherever they were. Although there’s a lot of good in all of that, perhaps it’s not all it really could be.

In A Twist of Faith: An American Christian’s Quest to Help Orphans in Africa, John Donnelly explores what it means to offer aid (regardless of your motivation) in places which we perceive need it most. Mixed in with Donnelly’s own research into foreign aid–specifically to Africa–is the story of David Nixon, a well-meaning carpenter from North Carolina who raises money to go to Malawi and build an orphanage. As the project stalls, Nixon learns what it means to listen to the Malawians describe what they need and how to make it happen. Nixon comes to understand that listening to and understanding those from this new (and very different) culture means putting aside his preconceived ideas and plans, taking a different approach, and bringing change and hope to another part of the world–and himself.

Donnelly intersperses his own research (to include interviews with Nixon and others in aid organizations working in Africa as well as his own travels to Africa) with Nixon’s story throughout this book. Clearly written and engaging, this book points out the frustrations Americans can experience in trying to accomplish something big in another country (e.g., fundraising, clearing government hurdles, working with local people in country) as well as how our aid is perceived by those who receive it. It brings to light that we make mistakes along the way–chief among them being the short-term nature of the work we do which is usually attached to our own agenda. Instead, Donnelly’s book implies that best practice includes consulting with and working alongside those who live where we want to work, including them in every step of the process, and staying in it for the long haul–however long that may be.

At times, I lost interest as Donnelly shifted to discussing data and numbers regarding foreign aid–although that information is important given the context of this book. Incorporating Nixon’s story, though one example of this process, illustrated both what not to do as well as what to do in ways those numbers could not. This book was thought-provoking and challenging–especially for someone who has fond memories of those short-term mission trips as an adolescent and young adult.

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Note: Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author and/or publisher through the Speakeasy blogging book review network. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR,Part 255.(less)

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Apr 08, 2013 Jung Sun rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: socialogy, adoption, christianity

This is a very good headway of seeing mission trips and aiding orphans from a different angle. This is good considering how Africa is at the forefront of people's minds these days, whether it's for mission works or to adopt a child. Donnelly writes in a style of intermixing journalist facts and figures with the personal account of one American Christian who goes to Africa wanting to do some good. I found the book really informative. The mystery of behind-the-scenes of mission trips, or any good...more This is a very good headway of seeing mission trips and aiding orphans from a different angle. This is good considering how Africa is at the forefront of people's minds these days, whether it's for mission works or to adopt a child. Donnelly writes in a style of intermixing journalist facts and figures with the personal account of one American Christian who goes to Africa wanting to do some good. I found the book really informative. The mystery of behind-the-scenes of mission trips, or any good samaritan efforts, is less of a mystery now. I'm a Christian and when I hear the "report" of a mission trip it's all from the perspective of the American Christian, so it's all gushy and telling of what an impact it was on the people who went. But I've wondered about those who are left behind, the people in the countries and communities that are living their daily lives after the mission people have left. How much of an effect, how much of a benefit are we making? And are we really considering or know what they really need? I believe we don't. There are several sections of the book that i think are powerful. For example, when Nixon first meets Kilembe, Malawi's chief child protection officer, to get approval to build an orphanage. Kilembe straight out says no and gently tells Nixon what is really needed. Not orphanages (which is discussed whether they really are beneficial at all in another chapter) but a community based project, something to help keep children within their communities and families and educate all community members to care for themselves. Unfortunately it is very populate to go to Africa and raise up orphanages believing this is in the best interest of the orphans and the country. I know of a few fellow Christians who have done just that. The common tune the Christian community is following and buying into is what was described at the 2006 Global Conference on AIDS at Rick Warren's church (pg 119)where there's talks on spreading the mission of adopting, the joy of building orphanages and "saving"children, and doing God's work. As a Christian who is adopted I find these messages and efforts misguided and insulting. And yet I felt alone with such thoughts for years. The roar of the "mandate" from God to go adopt orphans from their countries within the Christian community and promoted by such conferences such as the AIDS one and Christian Alliance for Orphans, seems to deafen any ability to truly listen. This was also touched upon by Kerry Olson, founder of Firelight Foundation, when she questioned the speakers' message. She was the only one in the vast crowd who didn't go along, while others nodded in agreement. She was in disbelief with what she was hearing and there was no disagreements. When I read her reaction I felt I found another member of some underground group. As Kelly said, "It's a constant battle to get this message out to help local community groups because they really do know what is best for their community. They live there!"(pg 120) The bits of the book that shows the intimate dealings of Dixon and his mission brings more of the emotional and spiritual aspects of mission works to a personal level. They're like snap shots of one of millions of Christian missions. Of course not all are like Dixon's, each different. Each with their own story. I would like read follow-ups on Oprah and Madonna's efforts. They were touched upon briefly, but to learn how they operate daily would be interesting. Inspite of the challenges conveyed in the book there is hope. Hope because a book such as this one was written. Hope for bringing more into the conversations at churches and non-religious organizations for change in how "good deeds" can be improved upon, to truly figure out and understand God's call to in how to help the less fortunate.(less)

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Feb 10, 2013 Pat rated it 4 of 5 stars

Very interesting-certainly makes you think about how you want your money spent. I wish he had talked a bit more about efforts that are more helpful. Something about the tone of his writing rather made me a little depressed. Still, well worth reading-highly recommended.

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Dec 15, 2012 Donald rated it 4 of 5 stars

A good primer on some of the complications associated with trying to help AIDS orphans in Africa. Read more here: http://bubsblurbs.com/?p=1531

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Oct 22, 2012 Carol Hassett rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: non-fiction

Interesting read about non-profits and how their money, etc affects Africa. Parts were slow reading at times.

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Shelves: autobiography, missions, christian-living

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About John Donnelly

John Donnelly is a vice president and senior editor at Burness Communications, working on its global health and science team. He writes for a variety of publications in a variety of ways, producing everything blogs to books. He is the author of A Twist of Faith: An American Christian’s Quest to Help Orphans in Africa and he is a regularly contributor to GlobalPost. He was a staff writer for the Bo...more

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