What can I do?
As we watch the news over the last few of days, “What can I do?” is a question we all are asking ourselves.
We hear about the Taliban taking over Afghanistan and we see images of airports and planes overcrowded with people trying to leave and we think, “These people are going to need housing, food, water, clothing, jobs, and safety. How can I help?”
We see crumbled buildings and hear about the death toll rise from the 7.2 earthquake in Haiti and our hearts are wrenched because it seems like they are still recovering from the last major earthquake, even though it was 10 years ago, and we think, “These people are going to need housing, food, water, clothing, jobs and safety. How can I help?”
We want to do something tangible. We want to do something where we see an immediate and direct impact. We want to do something that matters. We are tempted to collect items. We think about going through our closet or basement and want to donate things that are in good shape and we aren’t using anymore. Those are good thoughts supported by good intentions, but that is not what is needed immediately.
I believe the best thing we can do right now, besides pray, is to give money. There are organizations that are already “on the ground” working in tragic and disastrous situations around the world and who will need extra resources to deal with these new situations.
Three which are affiliated with the Lutheran church, and are highly respected while doing great work are Lutheran World Relief, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services and Ascentria Care Alliance
Vicky and I have already donated $300 total to these organizations and we ask that you take a few minutes and learn about each charity and decide how you might financially support them also. You may not be in a position to give at that amount, but even though it sounds cliché, but every little bit helps. Here are their websites.
Lutheran World Relief – www.lwr.org
Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services – www.lirs.org
Ascentria Care Alliance – www.ascentria.org
You will notice, each organization has a link easily found on their homepage that will guide you through the giving process.
Take a moment, learn about what each charity does, discern how you might be able to give and then click on the “DONATE” button on the organizations website that you choose.
Lastly, perhaps you know of another organization that does great work that you believe in and want to give to it instead. Go for it. Within that $300, Vicky and are giving to a smaller one we know personally in Haiti. (www.whatiffoundation.org).
Thanks for your generosity. It matters.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Tim