The Gentle Savior

“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
(Matthew 25:40)

The end of the year often means that lots of us are thinking about charitable giving, and I wanted to share with you some causes that my husband I have donated to in 2011 or 2012. Each of these organizations benefit women and children in some way:

Locally:

I give to the local food bank to help those with emergency food needs, many of which are single moms.

I also support the local Love in the Name of Christ chapter. This clearinghouse organization matches people in need with churches and individual Christians willing to help. Last year, they matched me with Virginia Watkins, a dear 94-year-old widow living by herself. We became great friends. Nearly deaf and blind, she loved for me to read the Bible to her—loudly and slowly. I miss her very much since her passing earlier this fall. Love INC has 130 chapters across 30 states.

I also contribute to the local pregnancy center, which offers support to women who make the brave choice of life, even when it’s not easy.

Regional, National, and International

Kiva – A worldwide network of microfinance institutions. Kiva is a conduit through which lenders combat poverty by making small loans to entrepreneurial borrowers around the world so they can start or grow their businesses. You can choose your borrower and make a loan for as little as $25. Once the loan is repaid, you can lend the money to someone else. A number of other organizations have adopted the microloan strategy, including World Vision.

Speaking of World Vision, I support them too. It is a Christian relief, development, and advocacy organization dedicated to working internationally with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice.

Compassion International – A Christian child advocacy ministry that releases children from spiritual, economic, social and physical poverty and enables them to become responsible, fulfilled Christian adults. My family sponsors two little girls, Cherrylie and Estefani.

International Justice Mission – A human rights agency that brings rescue to victims of slavery, sexual exploitation and other forms of violent oppression. IJM lawyers, investigators and aftercare professionals work with local officials to secure immediate victim rescue and aftercare, to prosecute perpetrators and to ensure that public justice systems—police, courts and laws—effectively protect the poor.

On Eagles Wings Ministries – A North Carolina Christian-based program dedicated to restoring women and girls in the U.S.who have been sexually exploited through the commercial sex industry, which they accomplish through outreach, direct services, shelter programs, and leadership development.

Rapha House – An international safe house program that loves, rescues, and heals children who have been rescued from trafficking and sexual exploitation.

Shared Hope International – An organization that strives to prevent the conditions that foster sex slavery, restore victims of sex trafficking, and bring justice to vulnerable women and children. Much of their work is through awareness raising and advocacy with law enforcement and policymakers.

Christians for Biblical Equity – A nonprofit organization of Christian men and women who believe that the Bible, properly interpreted, teaches the fundamental equality of men and women of all ethnic groups, all economic classes, and all age groups. What I like most about this organization is its emphasis on debunking biblical interpretations that some men use to justify domestic violence and other types of spousal abuse.

The Rehoboth Home for Children in India through Advancing Native Missions. A compassionate woman named Malliga Chandran worked with a justice mission rescuing girls forced into prostitution when she had a vision of caring for some of the cast-off children of prostitutes.  She began a small home for some of these children, where they can have all their earthly needs met and learn that Jesus loves them. She also helps rescued prostitutes to find gainful employment.

YUGO Ensenada Outreach Center. A ministry serving needy people in the villages and communities on the outskirts ofE nsenada, Mexico. I have worked three summers in a row building houses with this ministry, but I also support its mercy ministry that works year-round feeding the poor and providing crisis care.

These are all important causes that I would encourage you to support, too, but I’m sure you have some of your own favorite charities that care for the needs of women and children. Let us hear about them!