Fast Living: How The Church Will End Extreme Poverty [Paperback]

Scott C. Todd PhD. (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2011

In this accessible and straightforward book, Dr. Scott C. Todd outlines a battle plan and vision for the war on extreme poverty by pointing out the progress made in the last few decades. Most compellingly, he notes that In 1981, 52% of the world’s population lived in extreme poverty (living on less than $1 a day). As of 2005 that number is 26%.

“We have cut the percentage of people living in extreme poverty in half. And we did it in one generation!” the author asserts.

Based on the themes of Isaiah 58, Fast Living presents a theological foundation, hard statistics, and human stories that can motivate a generation of Christians to end extreme global poverty. The book calls the church to lead the war on poverty by fasting and praying, and joining with organizations that are already doing mission and humanitarian work around the world.

Dr. Todd encourages the Christian Church to take its rightful position in the battle against poverty. 100% of the proceeds from Fast Living will benefit children in need.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“A refreshing, even daring new perspective—extreme poverty doesn’t have to exist! Here’s a book
that converts the skeptical and energizes the Church. There’s no place for extreme poverty to hide from
the power of God’s people.”
--Dr. Wess Stafford, President & CEO, Compassion International

"Fast Living both strikes a chord and hits a nerve. It is insightful and provocative. It will help many people
break free from the "low expectations" trap."
--John Ortberg, Senior Pastor, Menlo Park Presbyterian Church; Author of The Me I Want to Be

"Fast Living turns conventional thinking about poverty on its head and invites us to follow Christ in ways
that profoundly change the world."
--Stephen Bauman, President/CEO, World Relief

“Dr. Scott Todd delivered one of the best presentations I’ve seen at Q ... The data are convincing, the call
is compelling ... Scott is architecting one of the great efforts of the global Church.”
--Gabe Lyons, author of The Next Christians and founder of Q

"I loved, loved, loved it!"
--Robin Hersma, mother of four and foster parent

“Fast Living is a compelling call to have followers of Jesus Christ fast forward the end of extreme poverty.
Scott Todd is a modern-day William Wilberforce who brings passion, Scripture, and strategy to ignite the
Church for world-changing action.”
--Peter Greer, President & CEO, HOPE International

About the Author

Dr. Scott Todd is the Senior Ministry Advisor of Compassion International and one of the chief architects of 58: Fast forward. The end of poverty. Combining his analytical background in academic research and immunology with his passion for the cause of Christ, he speaks plainly about what is possible when the Church bands together in strategic actions fueled with compassion. He is a champion for the poor. An encourager of the Church. And a voice speaking to a new generation of Christians eager to make a difference.

For more from Dr. Scott Todd, visit his blog at truefast.live58.org.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Compassion (September 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1936899000
• ISBN-13: 978-1936899005
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #620,812 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Dr. Scott Todd is Chairman of the Board for North America's largest network of Christian relief and development organizations and the Senior Ministry Advisor at Compassion International. He has co-­-authored Shared Strength, Relentless Hope and is the author of Poverty, a book from Compassion's Ministry Philosophy Series.

In addition to his work at Compassion, Scott Todd is one of the architects and leading voices of 58: Fast. Forward. The End of Poverty. Through 58:, an action-based alliance of world-class, poverty-fighting organizations have joined together to unleash the power and possibilities of the global Church to end extreme poverty. To emphasize the focus of the 58: movement, Dr. Todd was recently featured in the provocative and stirring short film "The Poor Will Not Always Be with Us."

A renowned expert on global poverty, Dr. Todd is a sought-after and gifted communicator with a passion for making the case that ending extreme poverty is not only possible, but probable in our lifetime.

Prior to his work at Compassion, Dr. Todd was an award-winning scientist whose career began at Stanford as a fellow in Oncology. A winner of multiple grants in medical research and author of over a dozen scientific articles, Dr. Todd also holds a patent for the treatment of Hepatitis C. But he considers those things rubbish compared to knowing Jesus Christ, and he lives to serve Jesus with his whole heart.

For information on bringing Dr. Todd to speak, please contact [e-mail]

For more from Dr. Scott Todd, visit his blog at truefast.live58.org.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A bold call to the church. June 11, 2011

By W. Christopher Horst

Format:Kindle Edition

There are many things to love about Dr. Scott Todd's lynchpin book...it is:

1. Collaborative: While we as Christians have so often been committed to building our own "kingdoms," Scott's book outlines how the Church can link arms together to address the whole-person needs of the world. Despite Scott's employment with Compassion International, his advocacy extends far beyond their work alone.

2. Optimistic: How many fundraising events have you been to where the message about poverty is depressing and defeated? This book tells a different story: It tells the story of the tremendous gains we have made over the past 30 years in alleviating extreme global poverty. The story is one of hope and enthusiasm for what is possible...not based on pipe dreams, but based on the successes of our recent history.

3. Challenging: This book does not suggest incremental life change. It challenges us to bold and unprecedented vision, in-step with William Wilberforce and his audacity to suggest that slavery could be abolished.

This book addresses all aspects of poverty and all types of antidotes, all of which are centered on the precious gospel of Jesus Christ.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring, yet practical June 29, 2011

By Keri W. Kent

Format:Kindle Edition

The topic of extreme poverty feels overwhelming. We tend to imagine that things are bad and getting worse. But in reality, the opposite is true. Things are improving in many ways. The number of people on the planet living in extreme poverty has actually decreased tremendously in the last two decades.
Author Dr. Scott C. Todd makes an audacious claim in this short but powerful book: the church has the power to end extreme poverty within our lifetime. He points out that in 1981, 52 percent of the world's population lived in extreme poverty (living on less than $1.25 per day). Today, only 26 percent live in extreme poverty--the percentage has been cut in half in just 20 years. His statistics were very well-researched, and easy to understand.
Todd also asserts that malaria, measles and other disease rates are dropping dramatically, because of simple interventions like vaccines, mosquito nets and better access to water, education about hygiene and more. "We should not slump in defeat before an enemy that is already halfway dead," he writes.
This book is inspiring. The author challenges readers to get involved in the fight against poverty, and offers clear strategies about how to do so. He outlines small but powerful steps any person, even those who don't have a lot of resources, can take to make a difference. The author, who works with Compassion International, has clear but thoughtful explanations about why poverty exists and what we can do to change the world. He calls Christians to be generous, to not just be "concerned" about the poor, but to take action to help them. Every Christian should read this book, and then visit the related website, [...], to learn specifics about how they can help.
Fast Living: How The Church Will End Extreme Poverty

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring March 8, 2013

By T.H.

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

This book completely debunked my cynicism and pessimism about missions, poverty alleviation, and the church. I never knew there was so many good reasons to be enthusiastic, excited, and optimistic about anything. Please read it.