The Power of Proximity: Moving Beyond Awareness to Action

. Michelle Ferrigno Warren is the advocacy and policy engagement director for the Christian Community Development Association. She is an immigration, education, and human service policy specialist and is an adjunct faculty member at Denver Seminary. She is a founding staff member of Open Door Ministries,

When we build relationships where we live, we discover the complexities of standing with the vulnerable and the commitment needed for long-term change. We can see evidence of injustice all around us, whether in continuing incidents of racial inequality or in the systemic forces that disenfranchise people and perpetuate poverty. She and her family have chosen to live in communities where they are "proximate to the pain of the poor." This makes all the difference in facing and overcoming injustice. Michelle Warren knows what is needed. Proximity changes our perspective, compels our response, and keeps us committed to the journey of pursuing justice for all. Move beyond awareness and experience the power of proximity.. It's important to

Their Pain, My Perspective, and Finally a Response We’ve all been in situations where we’re in close proximity to someone who doesn’t look like us. Some of the situations are temporary, and some much longer lasting. Some people are forced into situations, and some make a conscious decision to experience life at a different pace than they might otherwise be used to. Immediately missionaries come to m. Testimony of Powerful, Authentice Engagement Michele Crouch The Power of Proximity is a testimony of a life lived alongside those who are marginalized and without voice in our society. Michelle Warren takes us on a journey into a side of our country that many of us never see up close and personal. She draws our attention to the reality that in society the poor are marginalized and often suffer from injustice that is perpetuat. Awareness is Not Enough Christians, especially younger Christians, are increasingly aware of a broad range of justice issues, which is certainly a positive trend. But, as Michelle Warren argues persuasively in this book, awareness is not enough. Only when we are in close proximity with those who are struggling can we sustain an effective, Christ-like response to issues of poverty and injust

A wonderful book for young Christiansand for all Christians who have begun to authentically wrestle with the demands of whole-gospel discipleship. She writes like she liveswith great passion and purposeand shows us the path to justice by sharing her own story with vulnerability and insight. The Power of Proximity urges us to overcome our fears and courageously cross the deep dividing lines within our society. The Power of Proximity beckons us to join the pilgrimage to walk alongside the vulnerablea pilgrimage that will transform how we incarnate Christian faith." (M. (Rodas), Blanchard Professor of Old Testament, Wheaton College, author, Christians at the Border)"Michelle Warren is a faithful witness to the powe