Eastway’s work follows in the footsteps of Henri Nouwen’s classic study, Spirituality of Fundraising, but it picks up where Nouwen leaves off. Nouwen is clear that fundraising is the opposite of begging; rather fundraising is proclaiming our mission and inviting others to participate in it. This is precisely where Kevin picks up in exploring what this relationship might look like. Through his own examples over decades of faith-based fundraising for personal support and programmatic funding, he is refreshingly honest about how he has grown in his own expertise and understanding around fundraising. And the key take-away is: "it’s about faithful friendship."

If you find yourself dreading or fearing the fundraising part of your ministry work, this book will provide you the confidence you need to approach your relationships with donors in a whole new way.

Kevin Eastway is on a transformational mission to recast fundraising from a secular framework to a spiritual one. “Fundraising is the opportunity to show the proof of our love to our supporters. Giving is good for the soil of our souls. The hope, as we invite people into the story of Jesus through the act of generosity, is that their lives will never be the same as a result of their giving.” Ultimately, I agree with Kevin that we must integrate the practice of fundraising with practical spirituality, thinking of supporters as human beings who long to be connected to God’s kingdom here on earth and invited into a community that is marked by love, joy, and purpose.

I believe many ministry staff will find this book to present a clear understanding and be an energizing source for performing the entirety of their ministry and fundraising duties as the dynamic and adventurous journey it is intended to be!

Kevin has given us all a gift with this book. If you are someone who struggles with fundraising as a part of your ministry or have been a long-standing professional who has lost your spark, Kevin’s spirit-led and practical wisdom will refresh your calling. His personal vulnerability and storytelling will feel like a breath of fresh air to renew your purpose as a fundraiser.

In Faithful Friendship, Dr. Eastway artfully removes the lenses of fundraising misconceptions to reveal a much bigger picture of ‘the mission’ and ‘the blessing’ God intended this discipline to be. The book shows Christ’s heart by gently coming alongside the reader while skillfully breaking down dangerous misconceptions that lead to missionary fatigue. Eastway’s heart for the struggle missionaries go through, along with his ability to show that fundraising can and should actually be life-giving, will reinvigorate the soul of the missionary.