Just Courage: God's Great Expedition for the Restless Christian (Hardcover)

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: The Surprising Path, Would You Rather Be Safe, Journeybut Missing the Adventure (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"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!" -- Kay Warren, executive director, HIV/AIDS Initiative, Saddleback Church

"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." -- John Ortberg, pastor, Menlo Park Presbyterian Church, and author of When the Game Is Over, It All Goes Back in the Box

"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." -- Lynne and Bill Hybels, Willow Creek Community Church

"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." -- Sara Groves, singer and songwriter

Product Description

"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.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 148 pages
• Publisher: IVP Books (July 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 083083494X
• ISBN-13: 978-0830834945
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #43,123 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Introduction, July 28, 2008

By	Andrew Means "www.andrewmeans.typepad.com" (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews

I've read all of Gary Haugen's books, The Good News About Injustice, Terrify No More, and now Just Courage. Out of all three Just Courage is the most introductory and basic. It's well written and a very easy read at 130 simple pages. He does a good job of bringing in stories and talking about the call to live a life of adventure and that as Christians we are called to enter the adventure of bringing justice to this planet.

If you or someone you know is feeling unfulfilled in their Christian experience this book will challenge them to re-examine their faith and encourage them to get involved in justice.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars If we just had courage, September 2, 2008

By	Bill Wood "Perimeter reader" (Atlanta, GA) - See all my reviews

Haugen has written an excellent, readable book that should resonate with anyone who has a desire to have a missional life. I personally felt he extended some passages of Scriptures to his position unnecessarily, but it is no secret the least and those who suffer injustice merit significant attention in the Bible. If injustice is an issue that is on the heart of God as reflected in the Bible, then we who are called followers of the way should have a desire to be engaged in taking the gospel to every corner of the human experience.

"Courage - the power to do the right thing even when it is scary and hard - resonates deeply with the original shape of our soul" (p103) How often do we have the opportunity to consider how we might live courageously in today's world. 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. As other various voices call us to action in this area of thought and lifestyle, often with a call that is both idealistic and unrealistic for most people, Just Courage takes a different tack. This would be good reading for anyone on a evening when you just want to knock out a book and it just might change your life.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Just Read It (Just Courage)!, July 25, 2008

By	D. Statham (Rancho Palos Verdes, Ca USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is one of the best books I've read this year. It is concise, well written, and challenging.

I bought multiple copies to help stir conversations about the 27 million in human tracking today.

I read the book in two days (literally)-- it was that good.