Endorsements: "Children are hungry and homeless. Christians around the world care and send finances to organizations that provide care for such children. The local churches do their part. This is what we believe; this is what we expect. But do the organizations and churches always succeed in their efforts? Are Christian organizations more effective than other organizations in helping children? What if local churches do not help as much as they could because they see realities that outsiders do not? What factors enable local churches and outside organizations to work together?" "These and similar issues are considered in a landmark study of faith based organizations in Romania that provide for children that are at the margins of society. Based on many years of prior experience with at risk children, Dr. Prevette studied dozens of churches and agencies that work with children; the research spanned more than half a decade. The results are often encouraging, sometimes disturbing, and always insightful. Prevette offers a theological perspective that is perceptive and innovative. This book advocates the emerging study of child theology. The perceptions, analysis, and conclusions are critical to an informed understanding of neglected and abused children, and those who attempt to help them." Donald Ratcliff, Ph.D. Price-LeBar Professor of Christian Education Wheaton College, USA "Bill Prevette comments that "children are like 'canaries in a mine shaft'; they provide a focal point for discovery and encounter of perilous aspects of our world that are often ignored." True, but miners also carried a lamp to see into the subterranean darkness. This book is such a lamp. It lights up the subterranean world of children and youth in danger of exploitation, and as it does so travels deep into their lives and also into the activities of those who seek to help them." "Whilst the focus is Romania, Dr. Prevette draws from extensive international experience in Thailand, Cambodia, and his own life experience. He argues powerfully that children in crisis serve to open new horizons in missiology and theology for faith based organizations and churches working towards partnership that honors God. The book is also a record of Prevette's own journey from brash activist and interventionist to sensitive activism and interventionism based in grounded awareness of embedded assumptions, values, perceptions, interventions, and organizational actions. Highly recommended for scholars and practitioners concerned for children in crisis. The insights in this book will inform their future collaborations and actions." Bernard Farr, PhD Senior Residentiary Fellow, Oxford Centre for Mission Studies About the Contributor(s): Bill Prevette has worked internationally with youth and children at risk since 1985. He began his work with urban gangs in Los Angeles, while completing an MA at the Fuller School of Intercultural Studies. In 1989, Bill and his family moved to Bangkok, they spent the next 10 years in Thailand and Cambodia involved in church planting and compassion projects. The Prevettes lived in Romania from 2002-2007, where they assisted Teen Challenge in Bucharest. Bill completed his Ph.D. in June 2008 at the Oxford Centre for Mission Studies and serves as the academic research tutor for practitioner research and admissions tutor at OCMS. Bill continues to travel and work internationally with missionaries, churches, and faith- based organizations.
