by Jason Joyner | Dec 14, 2009 | Blog, Christmas, giving, social justice
I’d like to provide the Spoiled for the Ordinary 2nd annual Alternative Gift Giving Guide. If you’re having trouble finding the perfect something for a loved one, maybe it is because they don’t need anything!
Instead of buying another unwanted trinket, consider donating on behalf of others and benefit those who really need it.
International Justice Mission – an organization providing justice, rescue, and rehabilitation for victims of the slave trade and sex trafficking.
World Vision – providing food and medical care around the world for years. One of the most respected charities out there.
Wonderfully Made Jewelry – do double duty! Find a beautiful jewelry piece for someone, made by rescued victims of trafficking. The jewelry may seem a little expensive, but it is not coming at the expense of sweat-shop labor.
Angel Tree by Prison Fellowship – Angel Tree provides presents to the children of prisoners, and is a way of showing hope to both the prisoner (who often feels guilty about not being able to provied for their kids) and the family left at home. Prison Fellowship offers many outreaches and services to prisoners all year.
Mercy Ships – these ships travel the world to offer medical, dental, and community development services to some of the poorest of all.
There are other worthy organizations out there, but most of these I’ve had experience with, and I know there is good return on your investment.
Be a blessing this Christmas season, and God bless you!
—
by Jason Joyner | Dec 14, 2009 | Blog, Christmas, giving, social justice
I’d like to provide the Spoiled for the Ordinary 2nd annual Alternative Gift Giving Guide. If you’re having trouble finding the perfect something for a loved one, maybe it is because they don’t need anything!
Instead of buying another unwanted trinket, consider donating on behalf of others and benefit those who really need it.
International Justice Mission – an organization providing justice, rescue, and rehabilitation for victims of the slave trade and sex trafficking.
World Vision – providing food and medical care around the world for years. One of the most respected charities out there.
Wonderfully Made Jewelry – do double duty! Find a beautiful jewelry piece for someone, made by rescued victims of trafficking. The jewelry may seem a little expensive, but it is not coming at the expense of sweat-shop labor.
Angel Tree by Prison Fellowship – Angel Tree provides presents to the children of prisoners, and is a way of showing hope to both the prisoner (who often feels guilty about not being able to provied for their kids) and the family left at home. Prison Fellowship offers many outreaches and services to prisoners all year.
Mercy Ships – these ships travel the world to offer medical, dental, and community development services to some of the poorest of all.
There are other worthy organizations out there, but most of these I’ve had experience with, and I know there is good return on your investment.
Be a blessing this Christmas season, and God bless you!
—
by Jason Joyner | Dec 11, 2008 | Blog, Christmas, giving, International Justice Mission, missions, social justice, World Vision
Yesterday I mentioned my friend’s baby boutique, Lovely Lullabies Boutique, as an online option for Christmas shopping. If you don’t have anyone that is in baby mode that you need to shop for, and you’re frustrated about what to get them, I have a couple of suggestions.
Many of us in the West don’t really NEED anything. We have wish lists of the latest toys and gadgets, styles, or whatever. I am definitely talking about myself in this as well. What if we could give something that was meaningful and made a difference in people’s lives?
I have a couple of examples of things that can be done.
There is a new trend with charities that gives a concrete example of what is given, and it is a great opportunity for kids to see what they are doing with their gift. If you’ve got a family member that has everything, then you can also give something in their name via the charity.
World Vision is one of the best charities when it comes to financial accountability. They have a “gift catalog“, where you can give $25 dollars to by chicks for a village, or $250 worth of food for $50. The catalog explains how a $75 goat can be such a windfall for a family providing protein-rich milk, cheese and yogurt as well as the possibility of offspring. For just $30, 5 ducks can be provided, with eggs and extra ducklings to sell for money. It is an awesome opportunity to help those who really need the help, and again it is a concrete way of seeing the money spent, rather just sending a check into the void.
International Justice Mission is another of my favorite charities. They work on behalf of oppressed peoples in slavery and trafficking around the world, whether for sweat shops, forced prostitution, or other instances of injustice. They also have a freedom catalog. Gifts of $25 – $50 can buy a half or whole day of investigative work, which is needed to find the people in need and line up the proper government authorities to enforce the right laws, or aftercare for abused girls. The gifts here are a little more abstract, but still the money is going to a specific activity, which can be much more meaningful.
I hope people can consider these options in their gift-giving plans. I’m sure there are other charities out there that do similar things, these are just two of the charities I have chosen to support because I believe in their mission and trust their accountability. Since we’re celebrating the birth of Jesus, let’s remember His words about “whatever you do for the least of these, you do for me.” (paraphrase of Matt 25:40)
by Jason Joyner | Dec 11, 2008 | Blog, Christmas, giving, International Justice Mission, missions, social justice, World Vision
Yesterday I mentioned my friend’s baby boutique, Lovely Lullabies Boutique, as an online option for Christmas shopping. If you don’t have anyone that is in baby mode that you need to shop for, and you’re frustrated about what to get them, I have a couple of suggestions.
Many of us in the West don’t really NEED anything. We have wish lists of the latest toys and gadgets, styles, or whatever. I am definitely talking about myself in this as well. What if we could give something that was meaningful and made a difference in people’s lives?
I have a couple of examples of things that can be done.
There is a new trend with charities that gives a concrete example of what is given, and it is a great opportunity for kids to see what they are doing with their gift. If you’ve got a family member that has everything, then you can also give something in their name via the charity.
World Vision is one of the best charities when it comes to financial accountability. They have a “gift catalog“, where you can give $25 dollars to by chicks for a village, or $250 worth of food for $50. The catalog explains how a $75 goat can be such a windfall for a family providing protein-rich milk, cheese and yogurt as well as the possibility of offspring. For just $30, 5 ducks can be provided, with eggs and extra ducklings to sell for money. It is an awesome opportunity to help those who really need the help, and again it is a concrete way of seeing the money spent, rather just sending a check into the void.
International Justice Mission is another of my favorite charities. They work on behalf of oppressed peoples in slavery and trafficking around the world, whether for sweat shops, forced prostitution, or other instances of injustice. They also have a freedom catalog. Gifts of $25 – $50 can buy a half or whole day of investigative work, which is needed to find the people in need and line up the proper government authorities to enforce the right laws, or aftercare for abused girls. The gifts here are a little more abstract, but still the money is going to a specific activity, which can be much more meaningful.
I hope people can consider these options in their gift-giving plans. I’m sure there are other charities out there that do similar things, these are just two of the charities I have chosen to support because I believe in their mission and trust their accountability. Since we’re celebrating the birth of Jesus, let’s remember His words about “whatever you do for the least of these, you do for me.” (paraphrase of Matt 25:40)
by Jason Joyner | Dec 15, 2007 | Blog, giving, missions, world events, YWAM
Here is a note from YWAM Arvada’s accounting department. I asked them how we could give to support YWAM and the families in this tragedy. I want to remind people that YWAMers all serve as volunteers, raising support from their churches and family to go on these mission trips or to be on staff. I’m sure that there have been extra costs the Arvada center to deal with issues from this event. The families of the victims have extra bills, and there is a scholarship now established in the name of Phillip Crouse and Tiffany Johnson. See the note below. I know there are so many financial obligations and possibilities to give at this time. I only ask you prayerfully consider joining me in donating.
Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers at this time. We are grateful for your desire to pray for us and to also help meet some of the immediate financial needs for the families. We have established three separate funds that you can give towards:
1) Victims Assistance Fund (to help family needs in re: to burial, etc.)
2) Phil & Tiffany Scholarship (for future students wanting to do missions)
3) YWAM Denver Emergency Fund
If you would like to give, you can do it in the following ways:
1) Check
Please make all checks payable to “Youth With A Mission Denver.” Mail the checks to 12750 W. 63rd Ave/Arvada, CO 80004 with a note designating it to the fund you would like it to go to.
2) Credit Card
We take Visa, Master Card, and American Express
You can call our accounting office at (303) 424-1144 or via email at accounting (at) ywamdenver (dot) org.
Thank you for standing with us at this time of need. It is deeply appreciated.
by Jason Joyner | Dec 15, 2007 | Blog, giving, missions, world events, YWAM
Here is a note from YWAM Arvada’s accounting department. I asked them how we could give to support YWAM and the families in this tragedy. I want to remind people that YWAMers all serve as volunteers, raising support from their churches and family to go on these mission trips or to be on staff. I’m sure that there have been extra costs the Arvada center to deal with issues from this event. The families of the victims have extra bills, and there is a scholarship now established in the name of Phillip Crouse and Tiffany Johnson. See the note below. I know there are so many financial obligations and possibilities to give at this time. I only ask you prayerfully consider joining me in donating.
Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers at this time. We are grateful for your desire to pray for us and to also help meet some of the immediate financial needs for the families. We have established three separate funds that you can give towards:
1) Victims Assistance Fund (to help family needs in re: to burial, etc.)
2) Phil & Tiffany Scholarship (for future students wanting to do missions)
3) YWAM Denver Emergency Fund
If you would like to give, you can do it in the following ways:
1) Check
Please make all checks payable to “Youth With A Mission Denver.” Mail the checks to 12750 W. 63rd Ave/Arvada, CO 80004 with a note designating it to the fund you would like it to go to.
2) Credit Card
We take Visa, Master Card, and American Express
You can call our accounting office at (303) 424-1144 or via email at accounting (at) ywamdenver (dot) org.
Thank you for standing with us at this time of need. It is deeply appreciated.
