This book is meant to be a squeaky wheel to bring up the issue of street children
evaluating their present condition globally as well as locally. This well-explored
presentation focuses on the subject which otherwise was always neglected within the social
sciences especially in theological studies. Presently, several Social Work Agencies &
NGOs are working to rehabilitate these street children, but still this social disease
needs serious attention by the public at large and especially by the Christian community.
During the Biblical times `street children' was not a serious issue as it is now, but
there are instances that can help us to understand God's concern for the poor and rejected
people on the streets, which includes children also. The Bible has much to say on the
provision and protection of the children. Contrary to the Bible sayings, these runaway
kids get involved in social crimes as well as sexual abuse and consequently develop HIV
infection. The missiological research on children proves that this is the right age to
help them to know God who can liberate them from all the oppressive structures.
The Author carefully ties in the problem of street children around the world with the
humane acts already done by Christians. But, he is also concerned with the increasing
number of street children especially in India. This well-researched, compassionate, and
groundbreaking book is for those who have a real concern for these special gifts of God.
Contents
Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgements
1. Research, Rationale and Methodology
2. Definitions, Issues and Classifications
3. Problems, Implications and Response
4. Street Children in Vijayawada and Rehabilitation Work
5. Data Collection, Data Analysis and Case Studies
6. Major Findings and Recommendations
Index
Sri Potana Venkateswara Rao, also known as Bhakta Potana, hails from
Andhra Pradesh, India. His academic credentials include a Bachelor's degree in English
literature from Acharya Nagarjuna University; a Masters degree in social work from the
same university; a Master's degree in Religion & Philosophy from Madurai Kamaraj
University; a Master of Divinity degree from GFA Seminary, Tiruvalla, Kerala, India; and a
Master of Theology degree from Union Biblical Seminary, Pune. At present, he is conducting
research for Ph.D. with the University of Mysore through the South Asia Institute of
Advanced Christian Studies, Bangalore. Sri Potana lives in Bangalore with his wife Rita
and their three children Sophia, Lydia & Ashish Vidwan Rao.
For the past few years, Sri Potana has been teaching God's word to university students
in India. His three years (1993-1996) as a student leader and eleven years (2000-2011) as
a full time staff for the Union of Evangelical Students of India (UESI) opened
opportunities for him to impact college and university students in both South and North
India. He is not only an academician but he is a man on the mission field who is down to
earth.
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