I sponsor a child through Compassion International, and hope to one day visit her!

Why?

• Because there are orphans and widows in distress.(James 1:27)
• Because there are people who are hungry and thirsty. (Matthew 25:35)
• Because there is a need to go into the world and make disciples. (Matthew 28:19)

What?

Our goal is $500k above and beyond our weekly tithes.

When?

October 10 & 11, 2009 at all campuses

How?

1. Begin to pray about the amount of your “G Offering.”
2. Participate in the “G Offering” the weekend of October 10 & 11.

“ The reason why we should make money, get our personal finances in order, work at becoming debt free and in general be better stewards is so that we can share with those in need and be a help and benefit to other people.  Why?  Because loving and serving others for Jesus sake is what brings ultimate and lasting joy!”- Jason Topp, Redeeming Riches

I (HONESTLY) could not have said this better myself! All of my adult life, I have been a “giver”. I say adult life, because my brother was born when I was 12, so I practically grew up an only child, and even after he was born, there really was no need to ever share my things with him, and I was much much too old for handing anything down to him (except maybe some Dr. Seuss books, which I don’t think I gave willingly because books have sentimental value to me, and I just KNEW he’d ruin them- which of course, he DID).

But, when I was 15 and then again when I was 16, my parents let me go to Cuba, where I learned the true meaning of not having anything, and giving to those less fortunate. I’ll never forget the unplanned leaving my favorite pair of Nike’s to my grandfather’s sister, who happened to be the same size as me. I don’t think I ever told anyone, and no one ever asked why I came back in flip flops.  That was probably my first experience with giving something away that I cherished (I KNOW- they were sneakers… but I was also 16- we cherish different things then ).

Anyway, so fast forward about 10 years, and I still LOVE giving. I love giving more than anything. Not only do I feel I’m helping others, I honestly feel it’s my DUTY, because I can. I feel like if you have the ability, you MUST.

Proverbs 3:27-28 tells us,

“Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it’s in your power to help them. If you can help your neighbor now, don’t say, “Come back tomorrow, and then I’ll help you.””

So, not only is it NICE to help others, but we’re commanded to by God’s word.

Which gets me sort-of back on point. Lately, I have been on a crazy kick to get out of debt and get everything paid off so I can feel financial freedom. But this freedom isn’t so I can go out and buy more clothes, or shoes, or a nicer car! Its so I can go out and help people by giving resources and my time without feeling the financial pressure of “Can I take time off work to do the work I feel called to do?”.  Whether its outreach, volunteer work, mission trips, or just charitable donations, getting your finances in order so you can give generously not only helps shape other’s lives, it helps shape YOU!

I made my first donation today to www.Kiva.org!

What Is Kiva?

Kiva’s mission is to connect people through lending for the sake of alleviating poverty.

Kiva is the world’s first person-to-person micro-lending website, empowering individuals to lend directly to unique entrepreneurs around the globe.

The people you see on Kiva’s site are real individuals in need of funding – not marketing material. When you browse entrepreneurs’ profiles on the site, choose someone to lend to, and then make a loan, you are helping a real person make great strides towards economic independence and improve life for themselves, their family, and their community. Throughout the course of the loan (usually 6-12 months), you can receive email journal updates and track repayments. Then, when you get your loan money back, you can relend to someone else in need.

To make a difference in these people’s lives, you can donate as little as $25 up to whatever amount you can, and let me tell you, its so rewarding to know that I can help change someone’s circumstances and living conditions for LESS THAN I SPEND ON A PAIR OF SHOES. Literally.

So seriously, if you have ever thought about giving back, and just don’t know where to start, think about starting here! Its a worthy cause for worthy people!