The Spirit of Giving: Ravi Zacharias and Samaritan's Purse

With all the family and activity this past couple of weeks I haven't been able to get to my blog.  Last night, Christmas evening, I read to my family all the Christmas books we traditionally read.  As usual I couldn't get through some of them without breaking down. The common theme in them is people suffering grief and loss but finding hope and joy through the birth of Christ.  I've already reviewed those books and if you'd like to read them, go here. For Christmas stories about the history and origins of some of the traditions go here.

What I would especially like to share are the charity organizations that I contribute to and hope you will be encouraged to contribute to them as well.

The one my son and I always donate to  is from Ravi Zacharias' ministry.  Mr. Zacharias was born and raised in India and became a Christian as an adult.  He is considered the greatest living Christian apologist, taking the mantle from C.S. Lewis.  He has a radio program called, "Let My People Think".  Here is a link to his broadcasts .  My favorites are his question and answer sessions with college students from Harvard, Oxford, and Georgia Tech as well as Cornell University.  Our favorite charity coming out of his ministry is called Wellspring International.  The specific one we contribute to is called the Scarlet Chord which helps deliver woman and children out of a life of prostitution.  Here is an excerpt from their website:

SCARLET CORD
Amsterdam, The Netherlands

“We say that slavery has vanished from European civilization, but this is not true. Slavery still exists, but now it applies only to women and its name is prostitution.”
Victor Hugo

The Need

The city of Amsterdam became world famous for its legalized prostitution and red light district in the year 2000. Over 400 windows line the district streets, with a woman on display behind each one. It has been estimated that over 75% of the city’s 8,000-11,000 women in prostitution are from Eastern Europe, Africa, and Asia. Many are victims of trafficking; others were lured in at a young age by pimps, called loverboys, through an intentional scheme that moves them in to prostitution. Many remain out of fear for their own safety or that of loved ones, or victim of sizeable debts they must repay to a pimp. Those who want to leave struggle to find options that will enable them to escape safely and empower them to support themselves in an alternative line of work.

Here's the link if you'd like to donate.

The other Charity we donate to is Samaritan's Purse. They provide help and relief to just about every crisis out there globally, including the Hurricane Sandy. Here's an excerpt from their website:









Our emergency relief programs provide desperately needed assistance to victims of natural disaster, war, disease, and famine. As we offer food, water, and temporary shelter, we meet critical needs and give people a chance to rebuild their lives.



Our community development and vocational programs in impoverished villages and neighborhoods help people break the cycle of poverty and give them hope for a better tomorrow.We impact the lives of vulnerable children through educational, feeding, clothing, and shelter programs that let them know they are not forgotten.





If you'd like to give to this worthy charity here is the link to their very long list of ministries that you can choose from.

Finally, I sponsor a child through Compassion  International.  For $35.00 a month you can sponsor a child in a third world country, providing them with necessary means for survival and schooling.  Little Madina and I write each other several times a year. There's a waiting list for children who need to be sponsored from all over the world.

Remember, all donations are tax deductible. May you all have a very Blessed Christmas and New Year!!