Reviews

Trust First: A True Story About the Power of Giving People Second Chances by Sara Grace, Bruce Deel

lindsey_gonzalez's review

challenging emotional hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced

4.0

This reminded me a lot of Tattoos On The Heart by Gregory Boyle, which is one of my favorite books of all time. This story is similarly gut-wrenching and inspiring! It's incredible to learn about how this man has given his heart to serving those in need. It really makes you want to give back and get involved in your own community. I do wish that, as a minister, he'd spent a little more time focused on his faith journey and the role that God plays in his story. That's just something I was expecting going in and then felt was lacking a bit. But overall it was a beautiful read! 

ericsutliff's review

4.0

Loved reading this recommendation from a friend. Bruce Deel practices what he preaches. It’s one thing to talk about loving your neighbor, it’s another thing to partner, mourn alongside, celebrate, equip, and trust your neighbor - particularly those who have the odds stacked against them. I would have been interested if Rev Deel would have gone more into the weeds on the nuts and bolts of his current approach to holistic community redemption, but I think I’ll just need to drive on over to City Of Refuge to learn more!

Would highly recommend this book, especially to those of us living ATL ITP.

relaxsky's review

2.0

2.5 - Read/listened to this for work.

While not a book I would have picked up and read myself, I was engaged with Bruce Deel's inspiring narrative, his unwavering trust, and following how City of Refuge started from nothing and insurmountably flourished into the nonprofit organization it is today.

ashleyfunk's review

5.0

Bruce Deel, founder of City of Refuge, didn't make a difference in people's lives by coming to serve. He changed lives by coming to STAY, moving his family into an inner-city neighborhood filled with poverty, homelessness, addiction, and violence. His willingness to keep trusting, extending countless new opportunities for people in society's margins, is deeply moving and inspiring.