Reaching the World in Our Own Backyard: A Guide to Building Relationships with People of Other Faiths and Cultures

by Rajendra Pillai

Reaching the World in Our Own Backyard is designed as a guidebook for Christians to better understand and engage people from other countries including immigrants, foreign exchange students, and... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1578566010
• ISBN13: 9781578566013
• Release Date: August 2003
• Publisher: Waterbrook Press
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

What is the difference between the rich and the poor? Entrepreneurs.

This is an amazing summary of literature on the instincts and behaviors of wealth-generation classes. It is not an apology for the wealthy, but an examination of how does money work in society and what are the social and economic forces that influence who gets richer and who does not. Here are a few favorite quotes: --... every successful ethnic group in our history rose up by working harder than other classes, in low-paid jobs, with a vanguard of men in entrepreneurial. ----The poor choose leisure not because of moral weakness, but because they are paid to do so. --A successful economy depends on the proliferation of the rich, on creating a large class of risk-taking men who are willing to shun the easy channels of the comfortable life in order to create new enterprise, win huge profits, and invest them again. It will be said that their earnings are "unearned" and "undeserved." But, in fact, most successful entrepreneurs contribute far more to society than they ever recover, and most of them win no riches at all. This book is encouraging because it presents how chronic poverty is a social issue, not an economic issue.

Particularly mindful of human considerations

Reaching The World In Our Own Backyard by Rajendra K. Pillai is a guidebook for spreading the Christian faith to Americans whose native cultures may be unfamiliar -- particularly those of Muslim and Hindu backgrounds. From overcoming personal biases; to the do's and don'ts for handling culturally sensitive issues; to starting a ministry dedicated to internationals in within one's own Christian community, Reaching The World In Our Own Backyard is an excellent primer and one which is particularly mindful of human considerations that need to be taken into account when doing Christian outreach work.

What everyone should know

This book presents a refreshing look at the way our world has changed, right under our noses. It is well written, easy to read, and promises to be an eye opener for many. It is full of practical ideas on how we can bridge the gap between ourselves and people from other cultures, ethnicities, and religions. Anyone who cares about getting to know people from other parts of the world, as well learning how to sensitively share their faith, should have it.

Excellent! Practical, concise, and loving...

A straightforward and caring resource for understanding one's owns views of other cultures and religions, as well a guide to relating to individual internationals.In the first part, Pillai outlines "America's Great Opportunity." A quiz reveals your knowledge of other cultures, outlines present opportunities, and asks you to look at your own attitude as you interact with internationals. (I'm a "dodger" p.36)Part 2 provides specific guidelines for a variety of cultures. Did you know you should not point your feet or the soles of your shoes toward an Egyptian? (p. 143)Part 3 addresses the most effective ways to present the gospel to people of other religions. There are difficult issues to ponder, for example, a Muslim may say, "Since Jesus was not able to save himself from persecution, how can he be God?" (p. 203)An epilogue deals with starting a ministry to Internationals in your church.This book is a loving challenge and resource for all Christians.