Book review – Nevertheless by John Kirkby

This particular book has been thrust into my hands a few times over the years, most recently on Monday.  As I’m now recouperating from my recent operation, I thought it was time to read this book.  Besides, as I’m now officially a volunteer for Christians Against Poverty, reading the book now seemed an obvious thing to do.

The book is autobiographical and about the establishment of Christians Against Poverty by the founder John Kirkby.  It charts his early life, early adulthood with its ups and downs through to the formation of Christians Against Poverty.

This is a pretty amazing organisation which has now become an international force.  Clients who are in debt are given a lifeline to make their debts more manageable and there are a good number of testimonies about this throughout the book.  For their clients, it is often life changing.  The book also touches on the destructive nature of being in debt and the profound effect it can have on people.  For some in society, debts will drive them to suicide and this should never be underestimated.

Hope is provided in huge measure in terms of being able to climb out of debt but also, for some, they come to have faith.  Becoming debt free and becoming a Christian are both huge – but entirely different – reasons to be thankful.

Nevertheless is written in an unusual way.  It includes some narrative by John Kirkby, some diary entries, letters and contributions from supporters and others.  Throughout the book, it tells of the organisation staggering from one financial crisis to another.  This is all explained by John Kirkby as God’s provision, miracles and amazing work.  While this is the case, I do have an issue with his approach.

Considering the whole raison d’etre is about releasing folk from their debts, I do not think a good example has been set at all through the running of Christians Against Poverty.  The book chronicles the relentless search for funding, whether from trusts, government backed grants or charitable giving.  The precarious situation the organisation often had a very real impact on John Kirkby personally and on his family.  On page 122, John Kirby describes “a terrible day” when one of his trustees challenges him on the approach.  The trustee advocates a ministry approach where they expand once the finances are in place, not expanding and then seeking the resources needed.  John Kirkby knows his approach is foolish (certainly in normal human terms) and yet he carries on regardless, expressing considerable hurt that he has been challenged.

From time to time they seem to be in an improving situation, John Kirkby’s excitement leads him to make further financial commitments, often by employing an ever increasing workforce.  When things get really serious (and they often do) staff go unpaid, monies owing to HMRC go unpaid and he then asks staff for loans and gifts.  His staff respond with the most incredible generousisity and in a very sacrificial way.  Some give smallish, modest gifts but perhaps this is all they can afford.  Some give thousands and thousands of pounds or even a house.

Without denying the incredible impact this charity has had on the thousands of clients, I cannot reconcile myself to the reckless approach to how the finances have been run.  It could well be argued the many miracles which undoubtedly occurred, were actually a case of God bailing him out.  Whether he was showing faithful adherence to handing money in a Biblical way could be debated further.

That’s just my view.  I can see there are contrary arguments by very wise and respected folk.  Perhaps it is best to read the book yourself and make up your own mind.  The book records and charts the beginnings of Christians Against Poverty through the difficult times and through to the point where they gain a certain ‘critical mass’ and become more stable.  At the very least it is a valuable record of an extraordinary organisation and an extraordinary man.  I did wonder whether the spotlight could have shone in a different direction, for example, onto the clients and staff more, instead of the perilous financial position.  However, there is no doubt, Christians Against Poverty has been driven by John Kirkby, a very gifted and inspired man with impressive results for needy individuals.

For me, the important thing is to do the work on the ground.  I have no desire to become involved in the running of the organisation, for me it is just about serving ordinary, needy people here on the ground.