Just Courage: God’s Great Expedition for the Restless Children (review)

I came to the reading of this book when musing over questions similar to those posed by Gary A. Haugen. For example, if following Christ is a bold adventure, then why, as leaders, are we often caught in a routine of mediocre niceness that never touches the heart of what is depicted in Scripture? Where is the real adventure in living the Christian life? Is there a paralysis, caused by despair and fearfulness, that prevents us from entering into the darkness of life?

Haugen believes that it is exciting to think that God is yearning to rescue us from triviality and fear by making us part of God’s powerful struggle for justice in the world. As the CEO of International Justice Mission (IJM), Haugen calls us to address the root cause of the suffering poor, which, he proposes, is human violence. Even rock star and activist Bono advocates that caring for the poor is “not a matter of charity but of justice.” Christians have to run towards violence. We are called to attack violence before it attacks.

Through the effective use of stories Haugen offers hope and freedom. He cites the example of a twelve-year-old girl, her family, and others, who were held as slaves in a rice mill in South Asia and who are now living in IJM’s long-term rehabilitation program. The slave owners are facing the dogged pursuit of IJM’s attorneys. Quoting from Scripture passages, Haugen stresses that “God is displeased, appalled with Christian worship that does not include the ministry of justice” (70). In other stories he offers vivid accounts to prove that parents all over the world need a fighting chance to help their children survive the cruelty that surrounds them.

Haugen and his colleagues offer parents steps to prepare them in their daily work. Prayer and the need to cling to the promises of Scripture are included. They need to take a risk and live the promises with courage that comes from doing brave things. Using personal examples from his own childhood and of leaving the security of his prestigious position in the us Department of Justice, Haugen challenges our wish to be safe or to be brave in our service to others. This ministry can be messy, unsafe, untidy, and even dangerous, yet immensely rewarding. Haugen suggests that sometimes God is asking us to choose between a life that looks successful and one that is significant. He challenges parents to ask themselves, “Am I raising my children to be safe or to be brave? ”

The last two chapters of the book are appendices with steps that we, as individuals and churches, might take to begin our journey on God’s expedition of justice. Other organizations that have information on trafficking, slavery, and other forms of oppression are also introduced. And the last few pages contain questions for personal or group reflection on each chapter.

This small book is filled with challenges and examples of greatness. To begin such a journey is not for the faint of heart. Haugen’s style of writing is inviting, engaging, challenging, and disturbing. He urges the reader to move beyond complacency, fear, and lack of trust, to embrace those in need with courage and hope. He gives evidence of great things happening for many poor people, who would die were it not for the bravery of others. The personal stories, and those recounted by colleagues, are powerful and compelling and help to move the reader beyond the comfortable. The final chapters are excellent resources for individuals and church groups alike, challenging us to get involved.

One aspect of the book that was not appealing was Haugen’s lack of gender inclusiveness in speaking of God. However, this is an excellent work filled with richness, truth, courage, and challenge. Ultimately, Haugen confronts us to live out our lives as Christians in a full manner...