It can be the Christmas season or the middle of July. When we give to a charity or non-profit organization – a little voice inside says, “I wonder how much of the money is actually going to the cause?” Please don’t let that be a hindrance to your giving to proven causes. It is truly amazing the ripple effect a few of your dollars can have for impacting the world.

For example, many non-profit organizations offer a “Christmas catalog” where you can pick and choose what your money will purchase. A catalog I have sitting in a pile of mail offers a fishing net for a third world family for $25. For less than the amount WE (myself included, not pointing fingers) pay for Netflix and Amazon Prime monthly subscriptions – that fishing net can change the course of a family’s life.

Think about the trail that has been started. A father receives the net and no longer has to use poles, spears, or crude tools to catch fish. His net now gives he and his family an abundance of food. They are finally well fed. The father can sell or trade the excess. Now his family could get other food and drink to sustain themselves. Perhaps this family now has an abundance that they can give to someone struggling. This family now has a thriving business because of a $25 net.

You see how powerful the multiplication can be when we are generous, and perhaps even radical givers.

If you are looking for some potential places to give, here are four that can change the world:

1. Compassion International – one of many organizations where you can sponsor a child with a monthly donation. They receive a nutritious meal every day, an education, and additional support to their family. Plus, you can write letters back and forth – and bless them with birthday and Christmas gifts. This establishment also offers a Christmas catalog through the mail or online.
2. Gospel for Asia – a dollar a day can be the salary for a missionary and his family in Asia. Plus, $105 can purchase the family a vehicle – a heavy-duty, carefully crafted bicycle. They too have a Christmas catalog.

Two new ones that I just found out about this year:

3. Thistle Farms – They make unique, high-quality candles that can be purchased online or at Whole Foods. What makes the company even more special is that they employ women that have formerly been trapped in prostitution, drug addiction, or human trafficking. This company gives them income, stability, purpose – and most importantly, keeps them off the streets.

4. Charitywater.org – Their mission is vast but simple. Provide every person on the planet access to clean drinking water. Right now, they’ve accomplished 1/66th of that goal. They have separate donors to fund the business side of the charity. They can back up their claim that “100% of your money brings clean water to people in need.” Clean water for everyone. That is a topic everyone can agree upon in spite of political, religious, or social affiliations.

So the next time we sit down to watch Netflix or order from Amazon Prime – maybe let’s think about investing a few dollars into people we will probably never meet – but can help change their lives forever. We can feed and educate a child, free a trapped woman from a pimp, provide a salary for a family for $1 a day, or perhaps help a family start a fishing business. Not a bad way to spend an evening.

What would happen if all of us tried something new with our families this season – a round of binge giving!!!

Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?

And the King will say, I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’ (Matthew 25: 37-40)

Would you please share in the comments your favorite charity/cause/ or organization to give and why? It would be great for all of us to hear some new ideas!

Blessings,

Dave

https://www.amazon.com/author/davidrische