Experience the world through giving

Thanksgiving is at my doorstep and Christmas is just around the corner.  This time of year is fun and stressful and exciting.  Most people who are traveling between now and the new year are traveling to see family for the holidays.  Maybe it's just down the street or across the country.  For some its a time full of happiness and excitement; for others there might be trepidation for the trip.  

Some folks do travel for pleasure during the holidays.  Since it's 'in-law' Thanksgiving this year for the Rogers girls (that means both my sister and I will be spending Thanksgiving with our in-laws and Christmas with our parents; then next year the holidays switch) my parents decided to take a Viking river cruise through Germany during the week of Thanksgiving.  This isn't their first time to travel during holidays.  They love to go out and see the world instead of staying at home when there is no family to enjoy.  I'm definitely adding that to my playbook when retirement rolls around!

But what if you can't travel to some exotic destination this holiday season?  Why not consider making a difference in a far away place.  Here are three charities that allow you to experience new places by giving to others and impacting lives for good!  Click on the headings to read more about each charity.

Heifer International
"Since 1944, Heifer International has worked to bring help, healing, and hope to millions of impoverished families worldwide.  In its first 70 years, the total number of families assisted, directly and indirectly, is 20.7 million- 105.1 million people in more than 125 countries.  In areas where hunger and despair once prevailed, Heifer programs have reinvigorated communities through livestock, training, and Passing on the Gift.
Heifer International works in the areas of livestock and agriculture to develop programs that alleviate hunger and poverty.  Our field staff is comprised of livestock specialists and our programs are considered among the most successful in the world." -Heifer International Gift Catalog

This is a great program that empowers those in poverty to be able to work and learn new skills, not just get a free meal.  There are so many interesting ways to give from irrigation pumps and tree seedlings to water buffalo and rabbits.  You could be an "Ark Angel" giving $5,000 worth of animal pairs to to multiple families in various countries (I know this is way out of my budget, but could be very manageable for a church group or company) or give $10 to have a share in giving a family a sheep.


Samaritan's Purse
"The story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37) gives a clear picture of God’s desire for us to help those in desperate need wherever we find them. After describing how the Samaritan rescued a hurting man whom others had passed by, Jesus told His hearers, “Go and do likewise.” For over 40 years, Samaritan’s Purse has done our utmost to follow Christ’s command by going to the aid of the world’s poor, sick, and suffering. We are an effective means of reaching hurting people in countries around the world with food, medicine, and other assistance in the Name of Jesus Christ. This, in turn, earns us a hearing for the Gospel, the Good News of eternal life through Jesus Christ." Samaritan's Purse website

I first learned about Samaritan's Purse through their Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes.  Each year my boys and I make a trip to the store to pick out goodies to fill a shoebox that will be shipped to a little boy (or girl, but for us its a boy) who might not have Christmas otherwise.  Its a great way for my kids to get out of the "I want" mentality of Christmas to think about what another person may want.  Samaritan's Purse has so many giving opportunities, though: feed a child, build a home, refugee relief, support a missionary doctor (like Kent Brantly) or just a warm coat.   


Compassion International
"Compassion International exists as a Christian child advocacy ministry that releases children from spiritual, economic, social and physical poverty and enables them to become responsible, fulfilled Christian adults.
Founded by the Rev. Everett Swanson in 1952, Compassion began providing Korean War orphans with food, shelter, education and health care, as well as Christian training. Today, Compassion helps more than 1.5 million children in 26 countries." Compassion International website

Our church is involved with Compassion International and we support a little girl in Ecuador. The program is very thorough and extends many opportunities for bond with your Compassion child.  We have sent letters back and forth to our little girl (she's only 4) and we were able to send money to help give her Christmas gifts.  The great thing about Compassion International is that they have group and custom tours available for you to visit your sponsored child!  Talk about giving and travel all wrapped up in a nice little package!  A group of 10 people from our church are in Ecuador this week helping and bonding with their children.  

So if you're looking to give and want to make a global difference, consider one of these charities.  I know they bring a lot of joy to my family.  Of course, we can't help in every way, there are so many options!  But each of those options is a need that can be prayed over and lifted up.  

"Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. They bless the one who receives them, and they bless you, the giver."
~ Barbara De Angelis

Happy roving,
Kyleen

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