The Global Orphan Crisis: Be the Solution, Change Your World

by Diane L. Elliot

God's call to care for the orphaned and vulnerable children of the world is not easy or comfortable.  And it will require willingness, commitment and sacrifice. The more you know about the global orphan crisis the more your heart will break and it will cause you to want to do something... anything... to make the life of an orphaned child a little easier. The need is overwhelming, but if you are willing, you can be part of the global orphan solution. It is a decision that will change your life forever. The journey will be worth the effort in countless blessings along the way.  Together, with God’s strength, you can be the hands and feet of Christ and make a difference in the life of an orphaned child now and for all eternity. Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime?

360 pages, Paperback

First published October 28, 2012

Reviews

[Lauren Wicker]

A great compilation of specific and in depth resources, ideas, and experiences to give a holistic view of the global orphan crisis. This opened my eyes to the BIG picture and how small steps add up to changing the world. So, so good.

[April Jurgensen]

This book is a thorough overview of the plight of the orphan around the globe. Elliot weaves narratives with statistics to give a full picture--the great need and what you can do about it. Her passion is evident; her research, sound; and her enthusiasm, contagious!

[Rachel B]

This book is chock full of statistics - so many that it's impossible to retain any single one of them. It would have been more effective to use them sparingly.

There were a TON of typographical and grammatical errors, which I found incredibly distracting and unprofessional.

It was repetitive and not organized very well.

My favorite part was actually an appendix of real life stories from those involved in orphan care in various ways. I wish these had been incorporated into the actual book, driving home points that were made in the different chapters. It would have made those points much more memorable.

I'm tempted to give this just two stars, but there is a lot of information in it that the uninitiated may find helpful, so I landed on three stars instead. If you've never really heard much about foster care, adoption, or the poor, it is worth a read. If you've already read a handful of other books on these subjects, I would recommend passing on this one.

My favorite quote is actually not from the author's text, but rather the forward written by Beth Guckenberger. She writes:

"[God] has gone before us in this global orphan crisis, not just in your adoption story, or in the lives of the missionaries you support, but every day, in every relationship, experience, or eyewitness. All are done by Him and are not due to our cleverness or programs."

At the end of the day, that's what I need to be reminded of - that God is the one doing the work, it doesn't fall on my shoulders. He is plenty capable of handling it all.

[Leah Good]

This book is not for the faint of heart. However, if you have a burden for orphans or are willing to be burdened, read it! The Global Orphan Crisis is the best big-picture, get to know and begin to understand the issues book I've found. Even better, it was published in 2012, so most of the information is still relevant.

This is long book, and it's filled with information. It's not always easy reading. But, seriously, what's easy about learning the needs of a world full of desperately hurting children? It's time to stop running away, face the issue head on, and get educated. If you're a Christian, you ARE called to do something. This book will give you the knoweledge you need as well as ideas about where to get started. In case you're wondering, you don't have to adopt, you don't have to be married, and you don't have to be a certain age. Everyone is needed.

So what are you waiting for? Start reading.