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In The Locust Effect, authors Gary Haugen (founder and president of the International Justice Mission) and Victor Boutros (federal prosecutor) promise, “…a gripping journey that will forever change the way you see poverty and leave you with hope that we can help make the poor safe enough to thrive.” And this is exactly what they deliver.
With the use of heartbreaking true stories of unspeakable atrocities committed against the poor and extensive historical data, Haugen and Boutros present a meticulous and compelling argument that everyday violence undermines the world’s ability to provide desperately needed services to the destitute in developing countries around the globe. But the authors do not leave us in despair, as they also relate victories in current attempts to fix broken public justice systems, proving that it is possible to solve these great injustices. With enough resolve, tenacity, and commitment, we can quell the locust effect and ensure that the basic human right of personal safety is granted… even to the least of these. This will ensure that our efforts to help the poor thrive are not in vain.
While I certainly recommend The Locust Effect for Christian readers, I believe this is a book that can–and should–be read by adult readers from every walk of life. After all, a sense of justice is inherent in every human being. But be warned: it is a challenging read. As a Christian minister, I was often overcome by indignation and had to pause frequently as I read the horrifying accounts of injustice. It was difficult to take it all in. One thought that prevailed was, “When the Prince of Peace returns, He will bring peace and justice for all!” And while this is certainly true, I believe it would be a great injustice in itself to fold our hands and do nothing while these flagitious transgressions continue day after day. Proverbs 31:8 implores us to, “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed.” God bless Haugen, Boutros, and the many selfless servants at International Justice Mission who are doing just that.
In Christ’s perfect love,
Dwight
The Parson
