"There must be more to the Christian life than this—more than church each Sunday and waving to my neighbors and giving some clothes to Goodwill when I go through my closet each spring."
These aren't bad things, of course. But they're safe and comfortable and easy. And there's a reason they're not satisfying your desire for something more significant and meaningful—we're created by God for adventure.
International Justice Mission president Gary Haugen has found that engaging in the fight for justice is the most deeply satisfying way of life. This book shows how we too can be a part of God's great expedition.
"With tremendous power, simplicity and godly courage, Haugen is leading the body of Christ toward a more substantial expression of faith and love through the preservation of human dignity, value and worth."
"Just Courage is a life-changing book. Gary Haugen's echo of God's call to a life of significance and adventure is irresistible. He places the fight for justice right where the Bible does: square in the middle of Christian discipleship. Every follower of Jesus should read this book and take action on behalf of a world that 'waits, groaning' for us to bring hope, love and rescue."
"Gary Haugen explores what it means to really care about those who suffer--and it isn't necessarily the path we might expect. We tend to think of soup kitchens and painting buildings as ways to express our compassion for those in need, but Gary makes a convincing argument that fighting for justice on behalf of the poor is a powerful, effective way to make a long-term difference in their lives. Don't miss this book!"
"Just Courage shines like exit-lighting, leading me out of the guilt-laden, often overwhelming conversations about what I should be doing, to the life-giving redemptive promises about my life as a follower of Jesus Christ. Gary Haugen speaks beautifully and directly to the truth that entering into justice work is not optional in the life of the believer, but is the realization of our deepest faith and desires to live lives of significance. The most important truth that I have taken from this book and from the work of IJM is this: the same suffering of others that caused me to question the goodness of God is now the conduit for truly understanding the goodness of God. There are profound aspects of his call and character that I cannot grasp, until I enter into the suffering of others."
"I dare you to read Gary Haugen without growing a bigger vision of God. He is a prophet in our day calling us to do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with our God."
"This book is a strong call for every Christian to deepen their walk with God. I encourage you to read this book and seek God's direction for the next step of service in your life!"
"Filled with inspiring stories. Haugen challenges modern Christians."
"Haugen predicts that the American church is on the verge of an awakening to justice. Fighting oppression means going into dark places, but he encourages us to find the strength and courage to obey God's commands. Just Courage forces us to answer the question, 'Would you rather be safe or brave?'"
"Warning: This book is dangerous. Haugen's book is already having an impact on my ministry. My prayer is that many people read Just Courage and then allow the Spirit of God to speak and move us all to live for justice."
"This book will challenge youth, adults, and especially parents to remove their comfort barriers and enter a world where Jesus is saving and healing. This book is for anyone who desires to set out for a great adventure."
"This is one of the best books I've read this year. It is concise, well written, and challenging. This book provides a gentle nudge for those who desire to be gripped by the big issues of life but really don't know where or how to begin."
"Here is a book about what it means to care - really care - as a Christian. If you honestly and prayerfully read Just Courage you will be changed - if you are willing to give your comforrtable christian life to make a difference. Just Courage as a lifestyle is both risky and irresistable."
"Just Courage is undoubtedly one of the most thought-provoking books I have read in years. More than just thought provoking, Just Courage is faith-provoking, action-provoking, and provoking in general."
"Haugen really opens the eyes of the reader to the realities of darkness. It makes one wonder, at times, who are the people who perpetuate sex-trade houses where children are being abused and raped? Worse, it makes me confront myself and say: 'What am I doing to bring these people to justice and, following Jesus, set these captives free?' . . . [Haugen] makes no bones about the fact that Christians have, by and large, not done enough. There is much to be done and each day is a day to get it done. Courage is required. Christians need to move out of the safety and into the world where they might get dirty, or hurt, or run out of town. Christians must be advocates for the weak and oppressed."
"[A] brief but stirring call to trusting faith, to daily discipleship, to a global vision, the hope of what Christ's followers are doing, and how we can take further steps to be agents of healing, hope and social transformation, especially for the hurting or oppressed. The chapters are very short, the readings inspiring, the discussion questions provocative, practical, usable."
CONTENTS
1. Going on the Journey but Missing the Adventure
2. From Rescued to Rescuer
3. The Surprising Path to Courage
4. The God of Justice
5. Just Worship
6. Loving God and Our Neighbor
7. Charging the Darkness
8. The Witness of One
9. Seizing the Gift of Courage
10. Would You Rather Be Safe or Brave?
Appendix 1: Partnering with International Justice Mission
Appendix 2: Further Resources
Questions for Discussion and Reflection
Acknowledgments
