By Carla Williams
Previously, I wrote an article that explored some options for buying gifts that support ministry and mission. Those gifts are still unique and special and directly impact the kingdom! But as I look around my cluttered house and also wrestle with the needs of the world around me, I’m drawn to the idea of giving the gospel, physical needs, and hope to strangers I’ll never meet.
Here are several ways to give a meaningful and tangible donation this year. As you look over your Black Friday list, this is the perfect opportunity to give hope and healing to the vulnerable, the lonely, the beaten-down and belittled. This Christmas, give gifts to the least of these!
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Give the Gift of Water — HOPE2
Supplying fresh, safe drinking water is a major component to the overall program at HOPE2. They provide water filtration and education that can give a family in Liberia up to 500 gallons of safe drinking water per day! For just $35, you can fund a filter and bucket system that can last a lifetime.
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Give the Gift of Help — IDES
IDES serves in five main areas around the world: evangelism, disaster response, hunger relief, community development, and medical care. Using their gift catalog, you can choose from items like motorbikes for rural evangelists, medical supplies for remote hospitals, and goats for eager entrepreneurs! Plus so much more. Find their gift catalog on the giving page.
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Give the Gift of Holistic Transformation — Life in Abundance
In the 57 communities Life In Abundance partners with, people are already seeing the unique value they bring to the world and are using what they have to spread hope and meet the needs of those around them. From microloans to running clubs and everything in between, you can find a project and amount that fits your heart.
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Give the Gift of Audio Bibles — MegaVoice
MegaVoice provides the good news of God’s love on solar-powered audio Bibles. MegaVoice audio Scriptures are distributed by indigenous pastors, mission agencies, Bible societies and translators working in some of the most remote places on earth. They have their projects divided by region and opportunity, so you can give toward the project that resonates most with you!
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Give the Gift of Translation — Pioneer Bible Translators
In honor of your loved ones, you can fund the translation of verses of John for the Tenebra people of South Asia. The cost is just $35 to translate one verse. You’ll even receive a beautiful keepsake to give as a gift for your “person who has everything.” Note: Donations must be made by Thanksgiving Day to guarantee arrival of the keepsake by Christmas.
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Give the Gift of Discipleship — Team Expansion
Through their ongoing partnerships in the refugee camps for Afghans, Team Expansion is seeing help and hope for people desperate for both. Whether you want to contribute to basic supplies, job training, trauma counseling, or discipleship courses, your gift can turn a day of survival into an eternity of hope.
teamexpansion.org/afghanistan/
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This is just the beginning! Your favorite ministry or mission might have special Christmas options and opportunities. I’d love to hear where you love to give! (Leave a comment below.)
Carla Williams loves missions, the church, and finding the perfect gift. She lives in Louisville, Ky., with her husband and three kids.
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