Discover the Inspiring Story of How Christian Love Changed the World

Why do hospitals exist? Who first cared for abandoned children, widows, prisoners, strangers, and the sick? In Why Did Christian Charity Begin?, award-winning author Danika Cooley takes young readers on a fascinating journey through Bible history and the Early and Medieval Church to uncover the origins of Christian charity.

Rooted in Jesus’ command to love “the least of these,” this engaging and accessible book introduces middle-grade readers to the people, events, and biblical truths that shaped a movement of compassion that transformed societies. Along the way, readers will meet courageous men and women who fed the hungry, rescued abandoned children, cared for the sick, welcomed strangers, and fought for the freedom of captives—all because of their love for Christ.

Filled with historical stories, biblical teaching, timelines, and illustrations, this book helps young readers see how Christian faith inspired practical acts of mercy that continue to impact the world today.

Inside this book, readers will:

• Discover the biblical foundation for Christian charity
• Learn how believers cared for orphans, widows, strangers, prisoners, and the sick
• Meet influential Christians from the Early and Medieval Church
• Explore the origins of hospitals, philanthropy, and social reform
• Be encouraged to love and serve others as Jesus taught

An inspiring introduction to Christian history that shows how selfless love can change the world.

The Who, What, Why series explores the lives, concepts, and movements that have shaped the lives of God’s people throughout history. Featuring engaging narrative, beautiful illustrations and a timeline of key dates, this series introduces young people to big topics through simple questions.