What happens when three American women put their faith into action in a developing nation? In I Am That Child, Episcopal priest Elizabeth Geitz proves that cross-cultural relationships among people of faith can change our world ... one person at a time.
Geitz welcomes readers to join her pilgrimage to an orphanage in Cameroon, sharing both humorous and gut-wrenching wisdom from leaders and children who struggle against AIDS, global poverty and sexism. Along the way, Geitz and readers take a hard look at race and cultural privilege and find hope for reconciliation back home. The book concludes with study and resource guides to help readers engage global poverty efforts and build community across continents and across the street.
“Elizabeth Geitz's odyssey to a Cameroon orphanage yields profound insights into AIDS, the criminalization of HIV, and racial and gender discrimination -- not to mention a narrative that is as breath-taking as it is inspiring.” – John Berendt, Author of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil
“This is the most compelling book about mission that is honest-to-God … and honest-before-God … that I have ever read. If it does not move us to contrition, affectionate love, and then to action, the fault is with us and not with the book or the story it tells.”
Phyllis Tickle, Author of Embracing Emergence Christianity and former religion editor for Publishers Weekly
“Geitz takes us into a brilliant world -- one seldom seen through Western eyes. If you see this world, I predict two things. First, you will not look away. Lastly, you will discover here courage and perseverance.” Michael Battle, Author of Ubuntu: I in You and You in Me
“… a touching account of learning and growing across boundaries of culture and economics in a Cameroonian orphanage where we see ‘the love of God materialized.’ Geitz’ book will encourage Westerners to explore solidarity with companions in the Two-Thirds World – and with those suffering injustice at home.”
Titus Presler, Principal, Edwardes College in Peshawar, Pakistan, and Author of Going Global with God: Reconciling Mission in a World of Difference
“The stories unfold in short, lively chapters and take the reader on a fascinating journey. Elizabeth Geitz writes lucidly and engagingly of her own privilege and a pilgrimage that brought her to a renewed passion and priesthood; one hopes that she'll continue sharing more with us all.” – Sam Portaro, Author of Crossing the Jordan: Meditations on Vocation and Transforming Vocation
The Reverend Canon Elizabeth Geitz is an Episcopal priest and author of numerous books, including Fireweed Evangelism: Christian Hospitality in a Multi-faith World and Soul Satisfaction: Reclaiming the Divine Feminine; Gender and the Nicene Creed, and co-editor of Women's Uncommon Prayers. The former Canon for Ministry Development and Deployment in the Diocese of New Jersey, she is an award-winning writer and popular speaker and works closely with Sister Jane Mankaa and the Good Shepherd Home Board in Cameroon. Visit Elizabeth's website and blog at www.elizabethgeitz.com.
