The Global Orphan Crisis by Diane Lynn Elliot
Orphanology by Tony Merida and Rick Morton
Why Not Today by Matthew Cork and Kenneth Kemp
Kisses from Katie by Katie Davis
In Pursuit of Orphan Excellence by Philip Darke and Keith McFarland
The sad reality is that not everyone involved in orphan care is doing it well. Some find a way to profit from the situation. Many mean well, but lack the experience or training to do the job right.
An anthology on orphan care, In Pursuit of Orphan Excellence compiles articles from a number of authorities in different spheres of expertise. Once the book establishes that not all orphans will be cared for by extended or adoptive families, the rest of the book is devoted to the question, “How do we best care for children without parents?”
Darke and Farland challenge the common approach that appears to provide for orphans from our excess “scraps” rather than prioritizing their needs as we would our own children’s. They encourage readers to create environments where orphans can not only survive, but chase their dreams and become all God ordained for them.
Framed as a conversation, this book looks at best practices on topics from spiritual formation to dental care. It intends to make readers think not only about the fact that they should be involved in orphan care, but also how to be as effective as possible when they are.
Each chapter concludes with questions for individual reflection and application or group discussion.
Review by April Jurgensen
Founder/Executive Director