Give Radically

It’s almost Thanksgiving--- who’s excited for some delicious eats, football (Who Dat!), and elastic-waistbands??!!

Around this time of year, we Americans are reminded again and again to count our blessings. I know y’all already give thanks (or try to remember to) all year long, so this is not another lecture about remembering to be thankful. =)

I did want to let y’all know about the unbelievable food crisis happening in west Africa right now. I recently learned about it and wanted to share ways that we can help our brothers and sisters over there. A drought beginning way back in 2007 has led to a modern-day famine in west Africa with millions in need of emergency food today. The country of Niger is particularly in need as disease (even the Bubonic plague?!) ravages its people. I didn’t even know things like famines and Bubonic plagues still existed in the 21^st century, & I literally cannot imagine what these people are enduring.

The radio station that I listen to at work (K-LOVE) has been broadcasting news from Africa all day as it partners with World Vision to provide emergency food in these areas. I heard a story earlier about an 8 year old boy who’s the “man of the house” since his father died a month ago. He doesn’t go to school but instead spends every day trying to get enough food for his family to survive one more day. The most exciting and nourishing food that they’re sometimes lucky enough to get their hands on is rats. Rats! The thought simply repulses me. I mean, I see them occasionally in the metro and I get all squeamish--- can you imagine if they were the only source of protein you’d have to eat in a week?

Anyway, I know there are tons of causes out there, and we see suffering each and every day. But I do encourage you all, as you get ready to don your comfiest clothes and dig in to delicious Thanksgiving food, to help in any way that you can. World Vision is running a “Thanksgiving for Africa” donation TODAY ONLY, and in addition to supplying emergency food, volunteers are assisting west Africans in planting seeds and figuring out how to feed their families long-term. Best of all, they’re sharing the Gospel while they feed!

Today, all of our donations to World Vision will be quadrupled by generous donors/companies. $25 can feed one person for an entire month, so if you’re able to give $25, that will be multiplied by 4, so you’ll essentially be feeding 4 people for an entire month! Wow! What a blessing to be able to give back to the Lord what He has so generously given us.

We have been blessed abundantly and loved radically--- let us love in return and give radically!

After throwing all of this general sadness about our broken world upon you today, I leave you with a wonderful song by Jeremy Camp to remind you that one day, the suffering will end: There Will Be a Day.

I am thankful for you all and for all that we have!