During this season of giving, I want to point you to some worthy non-profits that do amazing work throughout the world.
International Justice Mission
I first became aware of IJM’s work through the book Terrify No More. You can read my review of it here. Also, a friend of mine recently interned with them on assignment in Asia. I love the work they do, working to stop sex trafficking and slavery. If you want to be apart of what they do, browse the gifts you can give through their organization on their site.
I’ve been familiar with this organization for many years. However, it was just this year that I read Tortured for Christ, which tells the story of VOM founder, Richard Wurmbrand. It’s a hard book to read, but one that is needed to be read. I subscribe to their monthly newsletter and prayer alerts (all of which are free). It’s so important for us American Christians to remember and support our fellow sisters and brothers who do not have the freedom we enjoy.
Their tagline is Prevent. Rescue & Restore. Bring Justice. Shared Hope works both domestically and internationally to eradicate sex trafficking and slavery with an emphasis on women and children.
I was first introduced to Sisters in Service by hearing the founder speak of her book and ministry via podcast. I quickly bought her book, Daughters of Hope: Stories of Witness and Courage in the Face of Persecution. You might think this book would be a downer, but it’s not. It’s full of hope. The women whose stories that are shared between the pages of this book are amazing and joy filled. We American women would be good to learn from them. In many countries, being a woman means you have less rights than men in that culture. And if you’re a Christian woman, you’re rights often are completely obliterated. You could face job loss, loss of husband and home, your children, and even your life. The stories are organized geographically by country, and at the end of each chapter are prayer points. I think this book is a must read for every Christian woman.
I hope you may take a second look at some of these ministries that do such an important, life-giving work around the world. At a time when many of us are so blessed to have food, shelter, and an abundance of gifts under the tree, let’s remember others who could benefit greatly from our assistance.
What’s your favorite non-profit to give to?
If you own the Daughters of Hope book and are inclined to lend your books out, I’d love to borrow and make it a must read for 2011.
With soooo many good non profits to donate to, we prefer to give to ones that touch us personally in some way. In the past we have given to the Sturge Weber Foundation (http://www.sturge-weber.org/), Covenant Mercies (http://www.covenantmercies.org/), Campus Crusade for Christ (http://www.ccci.org/), Sovereign Grace Ministries (http://www.sovereigngraceministries.org/), National Kidney Foundation (http://www.kidney.org/) among others. We have also enjoyed choosing one or two families we know who are in need and giving them an anonymous cash gift.
Thanks Briana! We too give to SGM and do the anonymous cash gift. We love doing that even more now after having been unemployed and been the recipient of several such gifts last year!
And yes, I’ll lend you that book. 🙂
Out of all of those I’d only heard of IJM before. Thank you for sharing about these non-profits! I’ve been thinking of ways to show my kids that Christmas is more than just about presents and parties. Picking one of these to give towards is a great idea! 🙂
We love the work of IJM as well. Gary Haugen spoke at our church last year and I appreciated learning even more about what they are doing around the world.
Great list to consider being on mission with!