CarePortal Staff Reading List
We experience major milestones over time that impact who we are, where we go, and what we do. Sometimes, something as simple as a book can have powerful effects on the trajectory of a life. Recently, we asked a few CarePortal team members to share a book that’s been significant to them.
This collection of books will make you inspired, uncomfortable, motivated, challenged, self-aware, the list goes on. So, as the cool weather begins to roll in, grab your morning coffee, snuggle up in a blanket and start to read one of these great books.
Adrien Lewis, Executive Director of Global Ministry
“In the fall of 2009 this book was recommended to me and my wife, and we both read it. The timing was clearly from God. The entire book is about the amazing love that God has for us, and when that love takes over our lives, we give it away in crazy ways. I was inspired by the Truth and the stories of other people who lived out of that Truth. While I was reading that book, I got a call from Joe Knittig inviting me to join the staff of The Global Orphan Project. This book prepared my mind and heart for the conviction that was coming from the Holy Spirit to leave my company and join GO Project in January of 2010. What an amazing adventure it has been!”
Kyle Johnson, Texas Regional Manager
“I never understood how limiting, and even dangerous, it is to view the gospel only through the lens of our own culture. This book helps to explain how the biblical stories and events we all know so well were interpreted by their original witnesses, and some of them may surprise you! It has helped me become a more intentional student of culture and recognize how a single message can be perceived in many different ways.”
“I try to reread this book every few years simply because of how relevant and powerful it is to see our Christian walk from the opposing perspective. So many of the traps we fall into as believers are described here as strategic tactics used by our tempters to drift away from our purpose. This is one of those books I wish every Christian would read at least once.”
Sue Baird, Pima County, Arizona Regional Manager
“I became a foster/adoptive parent in the early 1970s and later served orphans internationally in China (beginning in 1986); Romania (1990-91); India (2000’s) and S. Sudan (2008-2013). God has always pulled my heart toward the fatherless. This book showed me the scriptural basis for the work we do, and called me to continue giving my life to mobilize the Church toward these little ones that are so dear to His heart. We go into this work thinking it is for “them” and soon realize that it is even more for “us”. The joy of being the hands and feet of Jesus, as you serve a literal or functionally fatherless child, is comparable to no other joy. This is not to say it is easy, and sometimes it is even heart breaking, BUT GOD shows up, wipes your tears, draws you close and empowers you to serve Him again by serving them.”
Jonathan Sanborn, Arizona and California State Director
“I have been a huge fan of Pixar. So when one of its co-founders wrote a book on building creativity into your organization, I snatched it up. I have found the principles I learned from this book to be applicable to not just creative-focused businesses, but also to non-profits and churches. So often, creativity is stifled by the culture in our organizations, and this book lays out a new way to innovate. For anyone who wants to grow or consider doing things differently in their organization, I would recommend this book.”
After you read…
We have high hopes that your lives will be changed in big ways. The link below will give you access to the needs of families right down the street from you. Will you bookmark this link in expectation of the future plans God might have for you.
