Make a Difference
Making a difference in others lives is what gives our life meaning and is what we are called to do. It can be a simple gesture, a helping hand, a caring moment, or a monetary donation. Are you looking for a way to make a difference in the life of someone else?
Below are some opportunities that I have become involved in and have a passion for. These are organizations whose missions I believe in and have had the opportunity to participate with in some way. I feel passionate about empowering women to make a difference.
I believe it is women who can make a difference in our world, and empowering them makes all of the difference. Enabling a woman to become educated, to provide for her children, and to have a voice in our world makes it a healthier, safer place. In “The Hole in Our Gospel”, Richard Stearns writes: “There is a saying in many parts of Africa: “If you educate a man you simply educate an individual, but if you educate a woman, you educate a nation.” I do believe that when we empower women in any country, we give her confidence. With that opportunity and confidence, she is more apt to take care of her health and her children, she is less likely to engage in risky behaviors, and she is more likely to seek additional skills to improve her economic stability, which improves her community and ensures her daughters receive an education as well.
To learn more about the devastating effects of poverty on our world and some solutions to the problem (us!), please read “The Hole in Our Gospel” by World Vision U.S. President Richard Stearns. We are all called to make a difference and this book shows us that we are the answer to changing our world.
If you would like to learn more about the opportunities, please click on the links and see how you can make a difference as well. Pay your gifts, talents, opportunities and blessings forward.
Thank you.
Erica
WORLD VISION Micro Loan Financing: Making a difference in the world!
I made a donation to World Vision to help someone overcome poverty. It was easy to find the right donation opportunity with over 100 ways to give. It only takes a few minutes to make a difference in our world. I encourage you to go experience it for yourself today. See how you can extend God’s love and resources to someone in need.
Simply click on the link below to see what you can do to help a child or family in need.
KIVA Micro Loan Financing: Loans that change communities!
I just made a loan to someone in Liberia using a revolutionary new website called Kiva (www.kiva.org).
You can go to Kiva’s website and lend to someone across the globe who needs a loan for their business – like raising goats, selling vegetables at market or making bricks. Each loan has a picture of the entrepreneur, a description of their business and how they plan to use the loan so you know exactly how your money is being spent – and you get updates letting you know how the entrepreneur is going. I am currently loaning money to the entrepreneur Women of Hope Group in Liberia, I am excited to see their progress and how their live is changed.
The best part is, when the entrepreneur pays back their loan you get your money back – and Kiva’s loans are managed by microfinance institutions on the ground who have a lot of experience doing this, so you can trust that your money is being handled responsibly.
http://www.kiva.org/lend/175677
It’s finally easy to actually do something about poverty – using Kiva I know exactly who my money is loaned to and what they’re using it for. And most of all, I know that I’m helping them build a sustainable business that will provide income to feed, clothe, house and educate their family long after my loan is paid back.
Join me in changing the world – one loan at a time.
ROBIN’S NEST CHILDRENS’ HOME: Serving in Christ’s love.
Robin’s Nest Childrens’ Home is an orphanage in Montego Bay, Jamaica that provides a nurturing, safe, and loving environment. It’s founder Michelle Robinette was called to serve these children in need on her first trip to Jamaica back in 1998. With support from her family, friends, church and God’s ever present guiding hand, she made her dream a reality. Today almost 40 children live in this safe, loving environment. Michelle has retired and doesn’t live and work at the orphanage on a daily basis anymore, but her legacy lives on with the young O’Dell family serving the needs of the home and community.
My children and I were blessed to volunteer on a mission trip a few years ago to this wonderful home. We went with the intention of serving, but these wonderful children stole our hearts and were served by them as well. Michelle allowed God to work through her to fulfill the mission of this home becoming a reality. We continue to pray for these children, keep them in our hearts, and bless them with financial support, to assist in the ongoing mission of Michelle Robinette- “When you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it for me.” Matthew 25:40 NLT
Please visit the Robin’s Nest website to learn more about this home and their story. www.robinsnestchildrenshome.org
