Fields of the Fatherless: Discover the Joy of Compassionate Living

Fields of the Fatherless by Tom Davis is one of those books that will change your life if you let it. Your eyes will be opened to the plight of orphans, widows, the poor and the stranger and to what God says to Christians about providing for them. God will place these on your heart in such a way that you will find it hard to forget. Not only does Mr. Davis explain in detail about these "fatherless", he also shows how important the least of these are to the heart of God. You will realize that God blesses those who bless them. Mr. Davis addresses fear that robs us of the joy to be found in showing compassion to the fatherless. It is this fear that will prevent us from growing, changing and experiencing the joy and blessings God has for us. You will be encouraged to do something, not just hope that "someone else" will do it. If you allow this book to touch you, Mr. Davis has also provided a "Guide To Walking in the Fields of the Fatherless". The Guide gives specific ways to become involved in helping the fatherless. I encourage every Christian to read this life-changing book. Do not miss the blessings you will receive by caring for those who cannot care for themselves. I know I have been personally encouraged to start a ministry to orphans in my church. I hope that others will be encouraged in the same way.

This was a very good read. I purchased this book as a tool to make the decision whether or not to adopt a child from overseas. This author makes it very clear and cites many Biblical references to the importance of Christians to look after widows and orphans. This is a HUGE problem in the world and every Christian should help in some capacity, be it adopting, which I have done twice and more to come, or by donating time, money, or skills to help orphans and widows in our age.

"In this world you are an orphan; eagerly anticipating your adoption as God's child. In this world you are a widow; longing for reunion with your Bridegroom. In this world you are a stranger; a pilgrim waiting to become a citizen of heaven. And in this world, God has called you to care for the orphan, the stranger, and the widow." So starts Tom Davis' short, but powerful book on compassion to the orphan, the stranger, and the widow in Fields of the Fatherless. I'd highly recommend this book to all followers of Jesus, regardless of your call to adopt. It's applicable to the entire body of Christ. Ultilizing the metaphor of the Old Testament practice of leaving a portion of your field for the 'stranger, the fatherless, and the widow' (Deut. 24:19f), Davis offers a passionate plea for living a life of compassion to the less fortunate. These less fortunate (strangers, widows, orphans) are mentioned over 60 times in Scripture! Yet we tend to have blinders on when reading our Bibles. Studies show that Christians give less than non Christians to AIDS related causes (the leprosy of our day). But in ignoring the orphans, the widows, and the strangers, we are missing out on an incredible, joy that can only come with sacrifice. For in the eyes of the orphan, we catch a glimpse of God. Davis writes: "To feed, clothe, and treat the fatherless as members of one's own family is to live out the call of Christ." (55) This book is a great advocacy tool in raising up the church to live out its call to the fatherless. I will be passing it out to my senior pastor, and our mission board to read and (I hope) inspire. We'd encourage you to do the same. It's a quick read, consisting of over 6 chapters, and refrains from using technical adoption jargon. Rather, it simply and passionate pleads the case for the downtrodden in our world. "But whoever has this world's gods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?"--I John 3-16-17

.......and you will hear Him, loud and clear. Beautifully written and easy to read. This book is not complex and meant for study. It is a quick read of 2 hrs or so. It is a book of receiving and giving. You will receive a fresh anointing, a new hope and in turn you will be called to give it away. To share the hope and joy of Christ with those who are fatherless in spirit and in body. Amazing read!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you Tom Davis for this powerful reminder. This is a great book that will provoke the reader, gently prodding them into activity...and all the while raising our awareness of God's blessing in our lives. A memorable read!