30 Day Giving Challenge

This month John, Ian and I are going to join in the 30 Day Giving Challenge

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Day One
Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 2 Corinthians 9:10-11

I would like to start by talking about an organization that I have supported for several years now, Women for Women International. From their web-site -
Our Theory of Change: Women for Women International believes that when women are well, sustain an income, are decision-makers, and have strong social networks and safety-nets, they are in a much stronger position to advocate for their rights. This philosophy and our commitment to local leadership builds change and capacity at the grassroots level.

I have been matched with several women, three from Bosnia, and one from Afghanistan. Again from their web-site -

Each country’s program varies due to economic, political, cultural and religious factors. However, in all countries where we work, your monthly support ensures that your sister receives the following tools and support over the course of her one-year participation:

• Direct aid on a monthly basis in cash.
• Emotional support and encouragement from her trainers, fellow participants and from you, her sponsor.
• Training on leadership, rights awareness and the role of women in society.
• Job skills training applicable to the local economy.
• A network of women to connect with in her community.
• Small business assistance and in some countries Microcedit.
• Access to a variety of other programs, depending on the country or region where your sister lives. These include, for example, literacy training in Kosovo, HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention training in Nigeria, savings and investment counseling in Rwanda and infant care classes in Afghanistan.

It is very little monetarily, but I have had the opportunity to share letters with the women I sponsor. We are so blessed to live in a country where we have opportunities, and doing the work of peace and justice in the world sometimes means helping women right where they are. I'm happy to be able to help in this way.

I hope to be able to keep this up for the full 30 days. It will coincide with my every day of November thankfulness status updates on Facebook, which I did last year and loved so very much.