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22: Combining Faith And Works

Matt Edmundson

Today’s Guest: Ed Walker

Ed Walker is a seasoned humanitarian with over 10 years of experience in relief and development. He's worked in war zones and disaster-stricken areas across Africa, reaching over 100,000 people affected by conflict and chairing the NGO Steering Committee. Ed is also an accomplished author, having written 'Reflections from the Scorched Earth', a book that sold over 5000 copies.

Back in the UK, Ed served as Director of YMCA Client Services before founding the charity Hope into Action. Their mission is to house vulnerable individuals with the help of local churches. Today, Hope into Action has over 100 homes in 20 towns across England and has won several awards, including the Best Christian Social Action Award in 2015 and The Guardian's 'Best Housing Project in the Country' in 2017. Ed's latest book 'A House Built on Love' was published in October 2020, and in June 2022, he was awarded an MBE for his services to homelessness. Ed is a proud husband and father to two daughters and a son.

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Here’s a summary of this week’s story:

  • Ed's experience overseas in disaster response and meeting a homeless man in a park led him to start Hope into Action, a movement that partners with churches to provide homes for the homeless, with the aim of reducing re-offending rates. Over 100 churches now run more than 100 houses, making a positive impact in the lives of homeless individuals.

  • Ed discusses his experience working in war zones and the challenge of reconciling the suffering he witnessed with his understanding of God's love. He found that the Bible and books by Philip Yancey gave him the resilience he needed, strengthening his faith.

  • Writing his book, "Reflections from the Scorched Earth," helped Ed process and make sense of his experiences working in war zones and dealing with suffering. He found that accepting the irreconcilable nature of certain situations and holding onto blind faith and submission to God was a source of strength and comfort for him.

  • Sacrifice and denying oneself are important ingredients in the walk of Christians, although sacrifice is not talked about as much in the church these days, possibly because of the commodification of church. Nevertheless, sacrificing for God is healthy and important in the context of deep spiritual understanding and gratitude.

  • Ed's one message would be to have a deep understanding of the gospel where different aspects such as poverty, justice, peace, proclamation, salvation and redemption are all interwoven in our understanding, and to preach good news to all of creation, not just the human race.

Links & Resources from today’s story

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