The Invisible: What the Church Can Do to Find and Serve the Least of These

by Arloa Sutter

The poor are always with you, you just can't see them. They are the hungry. They are the thirsty. They are those within our own churches who would never acknowledge their need for clothing. How can we begin to serve the invisible in our midst? In this powerful book, Arloa Sutter will give you vision. Through her own compelling stories and those of many others, she sensitively examines the hard issues of poverty through real-life examples, theological and philosophical models, and practical direction. With wisdom and first-hand knowledge from her own established ministry to the poor, Sutter will open your eyes to what is happening around your very own neighborhood. Look and see the invisible like you've never seen them before. And then capture your own vision for helping those whom the world considers "the least of these," but whom Jesus called his "brothers" (Matt. 25:40).

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian Living, Theology, Social Justice

224 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2010

Reviews

[Molly Hilbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arloa Sutter is the founder of Breakthrough Urban Ministries in Chicago, Illinois and has so much first-hand, personal experience working with the urban poor. This book is full of personal stories of how God provided for the ministry, of how lives have been changed, and how those who have stepped out to serve have been transformed through following Christ's command to serve "the least of these." Arloa writes with wisdom and understanding, approaching hard questions with Scripture and a heart to love and serve others. This book presents a theology of service to the poor in a way that is real, genuine, and personal. It is easy to look past those who we have not been intentional about noticing. This book challenges our conventional, American beliefs and thoughts and compels us to take notice and take action.

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arloa writes a great book from her many years of experience caring for Chicago's poor. For anyone looking to know God's heart for the poor and what the Bible says, this is the book for you. It does a great job in the second half of the book explaining how you can grow in a heart for the poor and help the least of these in your community.

[Suzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

excellent book by the person who is responsible for the establishment of a homeless shelter in Chicago. excellent food for thought and practical suggestions for individual and corporate meditation and discussion.

[Cindy H · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books about social justice. Great personal story that led to founding of successful justice ministry in Chicago.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arloa writes compellingly of the call to the church to minister to our brothers and sisters in need.