Comforting the needy
21 Mar 2015
21 Mar 2015
We have experienced "need" for nearly one year in Chad, Africa.
Yes, people absolutely have need in the United States too. But here in southern Chad, in the landlocked center of the African continent, there is essentially zero aid. No apparent government programs are available. No social services, basically no free national hospital care, no unemployment income. No subsidies. Nothing. And some people are truly suffering. To make up for the gap, we pay out of pocket to extend care for people who don't have money.
We help with education, micro-businesses, medical care, nutrition support, and much more.
Someone is presented to us daily with some type of need. At times, it feels like an ocean; where wave after wave of need crashes over us. It's hard. But if its hard for us to help so many, it's surely even harder for those who are suffering with nothing.
Giving is a delicate balance. We realize it's not a long term solution but it matters greatly to each child or mother or grandparent who is comforted or healed because we had money to give. I read a book titled "When Helping Hurts" and it describes how aid can hold people back and there are unintended consequences to "giving." It made some excellent points. But, I also see the consequences of not giving.
People in this country are suffering and struggling in ways that likely are not imaginable to the average American. Many of the struggles are preventable or curable. We Americans are extremely fortunate to have been born in a stable and prosperous country.
I visited Chad twice before relocating here full-time with my family. I knew we were moving to an area of great need, so we started the process of forming a 501c3 non-profit organization. Thanks to Kim's Dad, Jon, Keila, and Shawn--> we have our final state and federal approval and recognition. Comfort Ministries is official!
If you are reading this, you have likely followed our mission work over this past year and perhaps you would be willing to contribute in some way. You can help us with our service by praying, volunteering or supporting our projects financially. More information will be posted once we get home to reliable high speed Internet.
We land in Asheville, NC on March 30 at 5:39pm... not that we are counting down smile emoticon
Yes, people absolutely have need in the United States too. But here in southern Chad, in the landlocked center of the African continent, there is essentially zero aid. No apparent government programs are available. No social services, basically no free national hospital care, no unemployment income. No subsidies. Nothing. And some people are truly suffering. To make up for the gap, we pay out of pocket to extend care for people who don't have money.
We help with education, micro-businesses, medical care, nutrition support, and much more.
Someone is presented to us daily with some type of need. At times, it feels like an ocean; where wave after wave of need crashes over us. It's hard. But if its hard for us to help so many, it's surely even harder for those who are suffering with nothing.
Giving is a delicate balance. We realize it's not a long term solution but it matters greatly to each child or mother or grandparent who is comforted or healed because we had money to give. I read a book titled "When Helping Hurts" and it describes how aid can hold people back and there are unintended consequences to "giving." It made some excellent points. But, I also see the consequences of not giving.
People in this country are suffering and struggling in ways that likely are not imaginable to the average American. Many of the struggles are preventable or curable. We Americans are extremely fortunate to have been born in a stable and prosperous country.
I visited Chad twice before relocating here full-time with my family. I knew we were moving to an area of great need, so we started the process of forming a 501c3 non-profit organization. Thanks to Kim's Dad, Jon, Keila, and Shawn--> we have our final state and federal approval and recognition. Comfort Ministries is official!
If you are reading this, you have likely followed our mission work over this past year and perhaps you would be willing to contribute in some way. You can help us with our service by praying, volunteering or supporting our projects financially. More information will be posted once we get home to reliable high speed Internet.
We land in Asheville, NC on March 30 at 5:39pm... not that we are counting down smile emoticon
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