(Today is the day you can link up and share YOUR best money tips!)
When we go through difficult financial times, especially as a country, it can be tough to continue to give. What we have to remember is that if it's tough for us, just think about all those who have it much worse: missionaries, ministries, those who literally cannot feed their babies, or have clean water; those who lost a loved one and now are suffering with making it alone, etc. We must not hoard away our money, especially during times like this. It's also realistic though that when financial burdens come, we do have a harder time giving.
How Can I Give When I'm Struggling Myself?
Here are some organizations that you can give to that won't break the bank:
Blood:Water Mission $1 = ONE YEAR OF WATER FOR AN AFRICAN. YOUR ONE DOLLAR WILL SAVE A LIFE.
Can you spare only a $1? If that's all you have extra to give at this point then Blood:Water Mission is for you. It was started by the Christian band Jars of Clay and it exists to "promote clean blood and clean water efforts in Africa, tangibly reducing the impact of the HIV/AIDS pandemic while addressing the underlying issues of poverty, injustice and oppression. Blood:Water Mission is building clean water wells, supporting medical facilities, and focusing on community and worldview transformation, both here in America and in Africa."
Samaritan's Purse More than just operation Christmas child.
I love this organization because they give you so many diverse ways to help those around the world, and .90 cents of every dollar goes directly to the cause. One of my favorite ways to help people is to order the Samaritan's Purse Christmas Catalog. In it you will find so many ways that you can help those in need. For example, if you have $70 you can buy a family a dairy animal, for $35 you provide an orphan the cost of a month’s worth of meals, lodging, education, and healthcare, or for only $9 you can feed a hungry baby for a week (can you imagine not being able to feed your baby?). These are just a few examples of the many ways to help others with a flexible budget. (World Vision is another organization like Samaritan's Purse).
The Home Foundation Did you know that over 10 million children world-wide have been sold into sexual slavery?
This organization is a non-profit charitable foundation that is "dedicated to the eradication of human trafficking both domestically and abroad. Through advocacy, education and relief efforts, the Home Foundation is committed to end the suffering of women and children sold into sexual slavery." You can donate any amount online, or if you are a college student, you can sign up for an internship to go and be a part of a 10 week program where you will learn how to be powerful and effective change agents in the fight for justice and dignity.
Now it's your turn!
Not just to tell others about your favorite ways to give on a budget, but any savings tips you may have, money-related tips, your budget...really anything goes if it has to do with being wise with money! Link up by posting your "two cents" on your blog and then coming back here and putting the direct link (not your general blog link) into mr. linky. I can't wait to learn from you all!
9 comments:
Good Morning! I don't see Mr. Link yyet, but I've done my post. I'll check back to link. This is a great idea for a post in these times. Thanks.
Thank you very much for those links! I often want to help out, but didn't know what resources were out there where I could give a small amount, and still make an impact.
Remember that the Lord is always faithful. We have made giving to our church a priority. We write our check out as soon as the money's in the bank, so we've learned to live without that money. Some months it would definitely be easier to sneak a little bit of that money, but we are both committed to using God's money how He intended it to be used. Somehow, even when it doesn't make any sense at all, we always have enough.
Great resources! We give to our church first, and we also give to our son's Christian school, and then a little here and there to different organizations.
In the past, we have also shipped blankets to a Christian organization and given to an organization that distributes Bibles in other countries.
But you can also give without money - using your time and talents. You can volunteer a little of your time or service and/or you can help make meals or things for people. Be creative!
Thanks for the great series, Sarah Mae!
This is such a great idea! Thank you!
I give the same way I save, through direct deposit. I subtract it from the paycheck before I even counted it. The benefit of this way is that there's no talking yourself out of giving "just for this month" but the drawback is that actually, it made me more conscious and grateful for all I had when I sat down and wrote a check every month. Giving is a big source of financial disagreement between hubby and I, he says $10 and I say 10%, and there's a big gap between those two. Anyone else have this problem?
Suzanne,
With giving, it should be from the heart - there is really no set amount. I know many people talk about 10%, but what is required is not a percentage (although 10% is a good marker), but rather our hearts before God on the matter. Remember, He doesn't want a "grumbling" giver.
I don't have a post written yet, but I will work on one. It is such a good reminder of giving even when times are tough. Our church is going through a stewardship series this fall and it has been very helpful and insightful.
Blessings,
Robin
finally got mine up. i don't know if it's helpful, but those links you gave are great!
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