Making Connections:
building relationships with people at the edge
By Tim Lovejoy. Scripture Union. 124 pages.
ISBN 1 85999 289 7
From his wealth of personal experience, the author takes us through the various stages in building relationships with homeless people. In each chapter, he takes up one particular ingredient of the task and illustrates it powerfully and helpfully. He does this from a combination of his own involvement and the occasions in the Gospels where the Lord Jesus meets the needs of outcast people.
The book raises issues which require further thinking, e.g. Lovejoy sees part of our motivation as being 'looking past our first impressions to see someone's potential, or glimpsing beneath the surface to find the hidden treasure . . . believing in people's ability to contribute spiritually' (p.37). One asks whether Jesus came to earth because he saw our potential?
Again, he asks us: 'Will your way of working ensure that the self-esteem and dignity of those to whom you are committed are retained and enhanced?' (p.108). Whilst one sees where he is coming from, these are the very things which keep thousands of people from humbly submitting to Christ. It is important to communicate the immense value of a single person in the light of the cross; but it is only as returning prodigals and forgiven sinners that we find our true dignity.
Each chapter closes with a further Bible reference to follow up, and some important questions to address. This should prove a valuable work for all who are interested in reaching and helping society's rejects.
