The Weight of Mercy: A Novice Pastor on the City Streets
Going from journalist to Baptist pastor and rescuer of Greenville, S.C.’s homeless involves some amazing feats of grace, not to mention discerning judgments. Richardson-Moore serves up unflinching truths with smart writing and self-deprecating humor in recalling this rigorous test of faith. For years, the author worked as a reporter, so questions are her second nature. She spends her first months asking herself questions, like are staff members dealing drugs to the people we’re trying to help? The early answers enable the novice pastor to gain her bearings, but unrelenting inquiries follow. What causes so many people to turn to drugs? Why are people with addiction problems so adept at lying? Addressing these questions and the corresponding needs enables Richardson-Moore to pave the way for the transformation of the Triune Mercy Center from a food and clothing distributor to a healing mission with broad services.  The results are not perfection but fewer souls lost. This is a tale of grit and true mercy rising above a virtual tide of woe. --Susan DeGrane