The Hands and Feet of Jesus

Clive Price

From The Methodist Recorder - 27 March 2008

The Hands and Feet of Jesus by Clive Price is a series of stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. The 17 cameo snapshots come from many places across the world where people struggle with pain, poverty and the aftermath of war. The common theme of faith demonstrated in courageous and sacrificial service binds the stories together. The book commemorates the 25th anniversary of World Vision UK. These stories inspire and celebrate hope.

Reviewed by Tom Stuckey

Reviewed in Liberal Democrat Christian Forum - Winter 2007
This collection of seventeen stories of ‘ordinary people doing extraordinary things’ has been written to communicate the work of World Vision. From Mark, a wheelchair-bound sufferer of cerebral palsy, who sells chocolates to raise money for World Vision’s relief work, to Mapuii, a nurse in north-east India who cares for drug addicts and sex workers, each story shows how God can use us all to bring hope in the darkest situations.

The lessons to be drawn from this book are numerous and the short stories mostly speak for themselves. Although I expected a neat summary chapter of the lessons to be drawn, the reader isn’t patronised with one, instead there is a section with discussion questions at the end.

For those predisposed to itchy feet and with a passion for social action it will give the desire to go and get their hands dirty. Remembering that mission and ministering to the poor are not only international endeavours, the book reminded me of a quote from John Piper: “you can either be a goer, a sender, or disobedient.”

God’s concern for justice and the poor leap out from every page of the Bible and The Hands and Feet of Jesus really reflects part of the response of today’s church to this.

The message of the book is summarised well by a quote from Marilee Pierce Dunker, the daughter of Bob Pierce, who founded World Vision: ‘I believe that’s the yearning of every heart: “God make my life count, help me to make a difference.” I think God’s more than willing to do that but it doesn’t just happen. You really have to seek it out and be willing to pay the price. To get out of the norm. Try something new. Do something uncomfortable. And if you’re willing to do that I think God will surprise you.’

Jodie Martin is researcher to Steve Webb MP.

From: Northsound Radio - August 2007
The accounts in this book reflect the worldwide and multiple scope of the work of World Vision. Through the eyes of representatives and indigenous people we get a glimpse at the lives and needs of a variety of individuals in their own locations from Albania to Zimbabwe and many points in between. We are introduced by name to a variety of people and shown not only their sufferings and fears but also their hopes and prospects. We see how World Vision is facilitating change in unpromising situations to offer hope where it is most needed.

As Adrian Plass says in his foreword: 'The love expressed through World Vision… and many other Christian agencies, is the passion and compassion of Jesus reaching out' through ordinary people in many countries today. Ordinary people like you and me need to read and respond.'
Reviewed by Betty Mckay

From: Magnet - Winter 2007
‘We don’t preach from the pulpit very often. We don’t hand out tracts. But at the moment when it counts, our staff are there.’

Thus quotes Marilee Pierce Dunker, daughter of the founder of World Vision, Bob Pierce. He discovered early in his ministry the necessity to meet the physical needs of his listeners and earn the right to share his faith. Clive Price has collected seventeen inspiring stories, including actual words, from all over the world to illustrate World Vision’s desire to be ‘The Hands and Feet of Jesus’.

There’s Kujtim Topuzi, an 18-year-old disable Albanian boy who, as a spokesperson for World Vision, addressed the Albanian Parliament on the rights of children and the need to address the issues of HIV/AIDS and disability. There’s the story of how Marcos Quino became the National Manager in his home country Bolivia and the differences that have been made. Ayalew Teshome’s unpredictable life story in Ethiopia and Southern Sudan is hair-raising in the extreme but his faith, determination and desire to help displaced people unquestionable.

All the proceeds go to World Vision but the stories remain as signs of hope and encouragement.
Reviewed by Sheila Simpson

From: Woman Alive – September 2007

Here’s a collection of stories from around the world showing how ordinary individuals can make a real impact in areas of need. Written to mark the 25th anniversary of World Vision UK, it brings together 17 stories of men and women working through World Vision to transform the lives of the people around them. Read about Zoubeida, helping a new generation to make a fresh start in Lebanon’s beautiful Bekaa valley and Ayalew, championing the hungry and hounded people of Southern Sudan among others.

Click the cover for further information or to purchase.