Albino Barrera is Professor of Economics and Theology at Providence College, USA. His research mainly focusses on moral theology, economic ethics, and the intersection of development economics and religion, and he has published multiple books and journal articles on these subjects. These include, Biblical Economic Ethics (2013) and Market Complicity and Christian Ethics (2011).

This book explores the vital role of faith-based organizations (FBOs) in compensating for the market's and government's inability to provide vital services. Its key theoretical contribution is the notion that poverty is the result of a triadic failure-when markets, government, and civil society become dysfunctional at the same time.

Prolegomena 1 Missionary Healthcare Services and their Outreach to the Ultra-Poor 2 Missionary Educational Initiatives for Children and Youth at-Risk 3 Missionary Social Services and their Positive Externalities for Development 4 Missionaries' "Last-Mile" Comparative Advantages 5 Summary and Evaluation