Outskirts Press, INC.

Selfless Acts of Serving Others and Transformational Development

The thoughts, discussions, and research presented in this book are principally focused on the responsibility mankind and the Church in its mandated diaconal role, are obligated to carry out in serving others, particularly the poor, and addresses poverty through selfless acts of διακονία (diakonia) or service. In doing so, the authors discuss the importance and significance of incorporating transformational development in the decision making process by including those most directly affected by poverty and other harsh realities of life. A case study, based on Fr. Kamwendo’s doctoral dissertation, with editorial and professorial assistance from Dr. Koenig, concerning diakonia and transformational development conducted in four parishes in the Diocese of Lindi in Southern Tanzania is included. The study was principally interested in assessing the question of whether mankind, the Church and the Diocese of Lindi leadership is providing philanthropic diakonia (διακονία) and implementing transformational development processes to its parishioners and others in the region, particularly the poor. The research also focused on the extent to which they are engaged in empowering others to: “develop their own capacity and skills so that they may become competent decision makers with the confidence to act on their choices.” (Roy and Hartigan) Every effort was made to study poverty from the experiences of the poor. The case study was conducted in the Diocese of Lindi, Tanzania where Fr. Kamwendo was born and raised. This book is a thoughtful reminder that all things do work together for the good of those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.