Book Review; “In the Company of the Poor: Conversations with Dr. Paul Farmer and Fr. Gustavo Gutierrez,” edited by Michael Griffin and Jennie Weiss Block, 2013. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books.
This book is a compilation of discussions, research papers, chapters of other books, and interviews with some very devoted experts who have helped poor people who have a wide range of needs, from spiritual to dietary and from medical to security. The book reminds the reader of the power of faith, the importance of helping others, and the elements of liberation theology.
The authors and other participants in this book provide some very good ideas about helping the poor with their complex and interrelated needs.
Many times, the poor need more than one type of service or loan or assistance. They may need food to take with their medication, they may need a ride to a pharmacy, they may need a way to pay for their pills, and they may need a safe place to sleep that night—any or all of these. People not in tune with this reality are not able to offer much help, unfortunately.
The authors relate some stories about persons who have been misdiagnosed and who have died because doctors did not understand the needs of the patients. There are many such horror stories.
We as educators are particularly good at finding resources, convincing people of suitable ways to make progress, and helping teach people problem-solving skills. However, we have more work to do when it comes to teaching others about the needs of the poor.
Giving somebody a meal on Monday does not guarantee that recipient has meals for Tuesday or Wednesday. Often people working in food pantries do not understand this harsh reality. What is needed is a way for the person to become self-sufficient, find a job, locate rides, sharpen skills, and move forward. A wider range of needs is there.
The book is very much about spirituality and love of our fellow community members. It is written by Catholics and specifically discusses the ideas and work of two devout Christians who provide help to the poor.
This book serves as a guide, a reminder, and a prayer.