If we follow media accounts, the continent of Africa may seem to be little more than AIDS patients, malnourished babies, child soldiers, or a failing attempt to imitate the West. Though Christians today are increasingly concerned about injustice and human suffering, their effectiveness is limited by only knowing “bad news” and trite, feel-good solutions. Into the Mud takes readers beyond the headlines, into real stories of real people. Each of the interwoven stories and related discussion questions addresses a broader issue, including education, microfinance, health services, urbanization, refugee assistance, and more. Where ever their paths lead, readers will be challenged to enter more deeply into the thick of life’s mud.