Did you know that one in five adults in the U.S. never learned to read?

In this episode of Mercycast, host Raleigh Sadler and guest Tony Kriz, co-founder of The Children's Literacy Project and co-author of READ: How God's People Can Bring Justice Through Literacy, discuss the intersection of literacy and justice, highlighting how personal vulnerabilities can motivate individuals to make a difference. Literacy is not just critical; it is essential for breaking the cycle of poverty, and relationships are the driving force behind transformative education.

Tony shares his powerful journey from missionary work to literacy advocacy, illustrating that community involvement is critical in tackling systemic issues. This episode clarifies that we need preventative justice through literacy, and churches have a vital role in this mission.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Literacy is a fundamental justice issue.
• Relationships are key to personal transformation.
• Cyclical poverty is linked to illiteracy.
• Preventative justice can change lives.
• Community involvement is crucial in education.
• Storytelling can raise awareness about literacy.
• Every child deserves a chance to learn to read.
• Churches can be a powerful force for good.
• Mentorship can provide hope and opportunity. We've broken the cycles of commuterism and consumerism.
• We have forgotten how to really love our neighbors.
• Seeing people as neighbors changes our perspective.
• Literacy is a gateway to justice and community engagement.
• Everyone can be a reading buddy to a child.
• Churches partnering with schools can transform communities.

Read Tony’s new book, READ: How God's People Can Bring Justice Through Literacy.

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