Book Review – What Difference Do It Make?, Ron Hall, Denver Moore, and Lynn Vincent, 2009

This book builds on the extraordinary influence of its predecessor, Same Kind of Different As Me. It tells stories of how readers of that book were influenced by the story of wealthy art dealer Ron, and homeless man Denver, and their initial reluctance and then determined perseverance to bring good news to the poor. The inspiration behind this story though is Ron’s now deceased wife, Debbie, as she struggles and eventually succumbs to the ravages of cancer. Throughout this short but moving account, tales of Debbie’s humility and determination to make a difference abound.

The stories in What Difference Do It Make? are ones of hope amidst suffering, and of resilience in the midst of heartache. What I love about Denver’s story in particular is that he tells it like it is, in his own language. There is no pretence, and no feeble attempts at respectability. It is just Denver, the way God made him. One of the points Denver brings across in different ways throughout this tome is that, if you want to know what it’s like to be homeless, don’t go to a conference on homelessness, but speak to someone who actually is or has been homeless (or better still, spend a few nights on the streets with them).

Denver raises some other poignant home truths as well, such as his observation that most homeless people know that Jesus loves them; they just don’t see that anybody else loves them (I’m not sure that as many homeless people in Australia would be aware of Jesus’ love for them, but this is Denver’s observation so it cannot be discounted). He also stresses that there is no point telling people that Jesus loves them; what matters is who is going to stick around and show them Jesus? People on the streets can see straight through any middle-class pretension. I reckon that is why they were so attracted to Jesus in his day.

Other gems of wisdom from Denver that leap out of the pages of this volume are, “the things you do for nothin’ is the things you keep forever”, talking about service without thought of reward, and “I remember a lotta times wishin’ that, instead of givin’ me money, somebody’d just ask me my name”. This is wisdom that is borne out of suffering, and it both timeless and timely.

One of the truths that challenged me as I read this book was the fact that I often help the poor from afar rather than getting my hands dirty in sacrificial involvement. Isaiah says not to set up more programs for the poor, but to invite them into our homes. In reading through these pages, I have been forced to ask myself when the last time was that I invited a poor person into my home.

The unlikely friendship between Ron and Denver is told in raw honesty in this book, and it shows what many missionaries in our own culture can be encouraged by: the inspiration and courage of a long-term commitment to the poor. And through it all they are spurred on by the memories of the now resting Debbie, the good and faithful servant whose work is now done. Read, and be inspired and challenged to do more than just ponder.

by Nils von Kalm

http://soulthoughts.com