“Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” 1 Timothy 6:17-19
The experience of giving to others is a feeling that cannot top much else. Stepping in to bridge the gap in someone’s life, whether by lending a helping hand, having a listening ear, or giving monetarily, the rewards are amazing.
One of the highlights of my life thus far was watching 22,000+ college students give $1,167,249.24 at Passion 2011! It is surreal to me what can happen when everyone does a small part. If you divide the total dollar amount by the number of students, it averages out to $53 a person. That is less than most people spend on eating out each month. Amazing what a group of people can do to change the world!
This is what the money was used for: (the bold is what was actually given!)
Homeless//Towels and Socks for Atlanta area shelters. Given: 18,400 towels and 88,000 pairs of socks!
Clean water//$75,000 for 15 wells in villages in India. Given: 24 wells!
Micro-finance//200 small business loans for Afghan entrepreneurs totaling $40,000.
Given: 387 loans!
Bibles//20,000 New Testaments to unreached in Colombia at $20,000. Given:31,554 New Testaments!
Feeding Children//Feed 1,000 at risk children in South Africa for one year at $50,000. Given: Feeding 2,225 children!
Homes//Build 15 homes in Haiti at $54,000. Given: 39 homes!
Sponsor Children//Sponsor 150 children and provide family essentials at a cost of $100,00. Given: 442 children sponsored!
Human trafficking//Restoration and a future for 10 girls trapped in sex slavery in Bolivia at a cost of $36,000. Given: 22 girls rescued/restored!
Surgeries for Children//$50,000 to fund 50 Hydrocephalus surgeries in Uganda. Given: 141 surgeries!
Rescue women//$45,000 to fund 10 rescue operations to free sex slaves in the Philippines (each operation frees 15 women on average). Given: 29 rescue operations!
Plus, College fund for Haitian earthquake survivor, Therissa Leo. Given:$23,106!
It thrills me to know that through these gifts, the name of Jesus has been shared! This is a picture of some of the children Passion 2011 helped feed in South Africa!
We live in a day and age where the needs of others are on display for us everywhere. We aren't living in the United States unaware of what is going on in the rest of the world, unless we choose to be unaware.
There are many different ways to give, the point is to start giving! I'll be sharing tomorrow some ideas and resources that I have that make giving a lifestyle choice.
Be blessed!
Michael and i were just talking about this yesterday...giving I mean. Definitely an area I want to see increase in my life! great post!
ReplyDeleteI love this post. So many of us rush from disaster to disaster only giving aid when the stars pop on the television shaming us into helping out. It should be a part of everyone's natural list of to do each week. Great post
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