When Helping Hurts

I've recently finished reading 'When Helping Hurts'.

It's about how to alleviate poverty without hurting the poor and ourselves in the process.
Its premise is basically that poverty in its different forms comes about from broken relationships. First, our broken relationship with God and then with each other.

There are a few points from the book that I found helpful.

1. All people are experiencing poverty of some kind.  That we're materially rich doesn't mean we're not spiritually or relationally poor.
2. Christians should respond to all kinds of poverty.
3. God has a special interest in and heart for the materially very poor.  If we are followers of Jesus then so must we.
4.  Giving relief (usually in the form of money) to people without putting in place development to stop their need for dependance almost always does more harm than good.
5. Short term mission trips should be done through organisations and shouldn't include doing for people what they can do for themselves.  The chapter on short term mission trips is extremely helpful and outlines how many short term mission trips are well intentioned, but ineffective and then goes on to say how they can work with bigger organisations that can mobilise people quickly to move into effective ministry work.  Mercy Ships is a prime example.
6. Poor people and communities usually need development, which is long term and difficult and requires real commitment.

This is a great book and whilst outlining lots of problems, it offers alternatives that the authors believe can benefit individuals and communities.