The Power of Proximity - by Michelle Ferrigno Warren (Paperback)

About the Book

In an age of hashtag and armchair activism, merely raising awareness about injustice is not enough. Michelle Warren and her family have chosen to live in communities where they are "proximate to the pain of the poor." Here she shows us how proximity changes our perspective, compels our response, and keeps us committed to the journey of pursuing justice for all.

Book Synopsis

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. It's important to learn about the world's inequities and to be a voice for the voiceless any way we can. But in an age of hashtag and armchair activism, merely raising awareness about injustice is not enough.Michelle Warren knows what is needed. 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. When we build relationships where we live, we discover the complexities of standing with the vulnerable and the commitment needed for long-term change.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.

Review Quotes

"As a person of color who has long lived in the 'hood like Michelle Warren, I was eager to read how she deals with issues such as racial privilege, discouragement over our political system, and the plight of those without proper papers. Her vast experience, sage advice, and biblical insights about fighting for God's shalom are useful for everyone--whether you're just now exploring issues of justice or have been a longtime activist. I especially heeded Warren's timely recommendations about collective engagement for the long haul. The Power of Proximity is a clear reminder to me of how solidarity with the poor is a way to God's heart."

--Russell Jeung, professor, San Francisco State University, author of At Home in Exile

"I'm grateful that Michelle has shared her struggles, her convictions, and her wisdom in The Power of Proximity. My prayer to God is that he will use this book to help us overcome our own fears and insecurities--to express our faith in Jesus Christ by walking in close proximity to the poor as an expression of our love for him."

--from the foreword by Noel Castellanos, president, CCDA

"Michelle Warren is a faithful witness to the power of proximity. She writes like she lives--with great passion and purpose--and 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. We are challenged not only to get close to those who are hurting on the Jericho road, but to transform the whole road!"

--Shawn Casselberry, executive director, Mission Year

"Michelle Warren is a remarkable woman who, along with her husband and family, has lived among the poor for over two decades. They have learned so much from the people around them. Michelle weaves her story in touching and heartfelt ways that teach us all about the importance of proximity. I highly recommend The Power of Proximity."

--Wayne "Coach" Gordon, pastor, Lawndale Community Church, president emeritus, Christian Community Development Association

"Warren offers us a theology of testimony--that is, a theology that grows out of lived life. This is an account of a journey into a richer understanding of God and the mission to which he calls his people. But a testimony is more than a retelling. The Power of Proximity beckons us to join the pilgrimage to walk alongside the vulnerable--a pilgrimage that will transform how we incarnate Christian faith."

--M. Daniel Carroll R. (Rodas), Blanchard Professor of Old Testament, Wheaton College, author, Christians at the Border

About the Author

Noel Castellanos has worked in full-time ministry in Latino, urban communities since 1982, serving in youth ministry, church planting, advocacy and community development in San Francisco, San Jose and Chicago. He is chief executive officer of Christian Community Development Association (CCDA) and was the founding pastor of Chicago's La Villita Community Church. In addition to being a popular speaker, Castellanos mentors young leaders across the United States and directs the CCDA Institute, training emerging leaders in the Christian Community Development philosophy. He was appointed to serve on President Obama's Council for Faith and Neighborhood Partnerships and has served as the chaplain for the Chicago Cubs. He has a deep passion to serve and invest in the lives of leaders committed to serving the poor.Noel is the coauthor of A Heart for the Community and New Models for Urban and Suburban Ministry and has contributed to various other books and publications including Deep Justice in a Broken World, A Heart for the City, and Crazy Enough to Care. He and his wife, Marianne, have three children and make their home in the barrio of La Villita in Chicago.

Michelle Warren is the advocacy and strategic 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. With over twenty years' experience working in Christian community development, Michelle is a part of the national Evangelical Immigration Table and helps consult for the National Immigration Forum, and is a founding staff member of Open Door Ministries, a large community development corporation. She earned her bachelor's degree from Cedarville University and later earned her master's in public administration from the University of Colorado. She and her family live in an immigrant neighborhood in Denver.