WHY NOT TODAY A Book Review by Rach ael William s-M ejr i hy Not Today by Cork and Kemp is a book with a global mindset. Starting in 2001, Michael Cork unfolds an eleven-year story, interweaving the lives of those in California with the people in India, using flashbacks and personal narrative as a way to connect with his readers.
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An informative author, Cork takes the positions of historian, storyteller and social justice advocate. He dedicates entire chapters to the history and current abuse of the Dalits, India?s most despised, and most populous group. Crushed by Hindu doctrine that teaches their complete inferiority, Dalits actually have their own bathrooms, water fountains, and other accommodations to increase their oppression and shame. As the pastor of a large and prosperous church, Cork is humbled by what his church is able to do, and commits to doing more. Unconsciously,
he blurts out during a meeting in India an offer to do much more than the church could conceive of doing, shocking those who had accompanied him on the trip. When he thinks over his perhaps impetuous statement later, he realizes that his resources are infinite by believing in an infinite God, and states: ?Lord, I?m in. I am so in.? Over the course of the eleven years, Cork makes frequent visits to India and welcomes Indian visitors into his home as they garnish support in the United States. While the author focuses his attention on the positive, he is not adverse to also showing a negative side of what happened in India as a result of changing people?s lives. The education and promotion of Dalits both into the work place and out of slavery, servitude and prostitution was met with approval by many, however Hindu extremists lost no time in persecuting and brutally murdering both Indians and missionaries alike. -41-
Yet severe persecution seemed to only encourage those with a desperate desire to change lives. The church in India grew significantly, more lives were changed, more people rescued out of the red light district and more preventative measures were put into place by building schools throughout the country. While telling the story of India, Cork also relates his personal story of betrayal, persecution, forgiveness and restoration, which would play a vital role in preparing his journey to work with the abused in India. Both stories end in victory in more ways than simply the physical rescue of a particular individual. Michael Cork?s book is based on the church and believers. He
makes
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appeal
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believers, not with guilt, but with options on what they can do to help change the world. Challenging his readers, he asks all of us: ?Are you in? If not, what?s holding you back?? Grace as Justice, Vol 3, Issue 6