today i want to share with you how we choose to give of our blessing to others.  no, i’m not giving you a financial statement, or suggesting how much we give vrs. others.  that’s not relevant, or of importance. 

i received an update letter this week, and was inspired by it to share with others the work that goes on in the world to help others, and how we choose to participate in it at this stage in our life.  we all need to give of ourselves in some way, and while some do it physically by going out on mission trips, others do it financially by donating sums of money to causes.

we have chosen to support a mission called MCC global family program.   it stands for Mennonite Central Committee.  they work all over the world, giving humanitarian aide where needed.  when there’s been a disaster of any sort (even locally), they will reach out and send in the troops to help. 

we chose to focus our support on communities in paraguay.  the focus in these communities is on educating children, and young adults in literature and life skills.  it’s also focusing on childcare for mothers who need to work or build life skills to meet their families needs (as single parents). 

we’ve done this for many years, and one of the main reasons i chose this form of giving, was that it gave to a broader outlook than just a sponsorship of one child.  at this stage in life, with children of our own, i would love to consider having sponsorship of a child.  this would give the girls some excitement in corresponding, and also educating them in the amazing feeling of giving and helping someone.  i see it in our future, as the girls get older and can comprehend the idea of money and it’s worth a little more.  this would make the concept of giving sink in.   my main issue with some of the organizations who run these sponsorship programs is their high admiministration costs, and the amount of junk mail you sign up for, requesting more and more giving.  i know that through mcc there is the possibility of child sponsorship (called indivisual assistance, and can be chosen from any country mcc is in).  my second choice would have to be compassion canada.  

do you have a way of giving?  do you choose to give of yourself, of your finances, or by donating items?  it’s amazing what rewards can be received when we think of others before ourselves.  we’re blessed beyond measure in our society, and it takes so little to help someone in need.  be inspired, and follow God’s leading in your heart to give!

here’s a wonderful story of how someone i know opened her ears and listened to God, and gave.   truely inspiring, and truely wonderful!