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We’ve all been there. Someone, obviously poor or homeless, approaches you and asks for money. What do you do? Do you give money, knowing it may be used on drugs or alcohol or do you say “no” or even ignore the person as you walk by? No one wants to be a sucker in these situations but at the same time Jesus’ call to help the poor echoes in our hearts and minds. Servant or Sucker? Wise and Compassionate Ways to Help the Poor helps viewers discern appropriate, Christ-centered actions when it comes to addressing poverty on a personal or organizational level. Included are realities of poverty such as the concepts of time, relationships, money and values; a “poverty tour”; interviews with those who are homeless or poor; interviews with those who have helped and/or have been suckered; and steps viewers can take to be an effective servant without getting suckered. A free leader’s guide is included on the DVD. EcuFilm.

Review By Dean G. Watt:

This five session DVD offers a valuable guide to the many, if not all of us, who have repeatedly encountered the uncomfortable moments when we meet up with someone begging for money.  After-all, our Christian faith teaches us to even “sell all that you have and give to the poor”.  How can we refuse this person (usually a man) who asks so little of us.  Yet we have questioned whether responding would really help, or just go toward drugs or alcohol. 

The series offers sound theological and practical guides, including interviews with the homeless and the poor, interviews with those who have responded by giving money and those who have been suckered.  It helps us look at the issue of poverty, organizational resources, relationships, and time.  The DVD contains a leaders guide for each session.

I found the series more helpful than I had anticipated and encourage its viewing by adult church classes or even entire congregations.  The discussions it will foster will be valuable to all who participate.