xjwsforChrist

Peace to you!


I just came across this and found it quite interesting. This is a study about giving cash donations (no strings attached) to some poor families in a specific village to see how that would play out (pros and cons).

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions ... ket-newtab



I know there are many programs out there to help those in need, and I am not knocking any charities that collect donations and gives things to those in need (building schools, food, supplies, etc). But there can be corruption in those AND they must take a portion of the donations they receive to keep themselves up and running, pay employees, etc. Seems to me that this would cut all that out. I am also not knocking being poor (in material things), because poverty does not mean that people are not happy, do not have love, etc. In fact, the poor (material poor) can be rich in love and happiness, and certainly in faith and spirit - more so than many who are rich (materially rich).


But I came across that article this morning and found it interesting. Wanted to share.


Peace and love to you all, and to your households,
your sister and servant and fellow slave of Christ,
tammy

And peace to you as well my sister!

Thank you for sharing this.

Yes it was an interesting article that showed how money given to some of the poorest was spent.

I appreciated this comment that showed how the entire local economy which means many more that didn’t even directly receive also benefited.

Their findings are significant: Cash transfers benefited the entire local economy, not just direct recipients. As money made its way through the area, both families who did and did not receive cash ended up substantially better off.

I remember some time back watching a TV show where individuals go around and just give away money to those that are homeless. And then recorded what they do with it. Trying to make a point without judging, which many do, thinking that all homeless people just buy drugs and alcohol.

The individual who gave saw several individuals buy food supplies and then instead of keeping it ( which they could have to have food for the next day) BUT instead paid it forward by feeding other hungry folks around them in the neighborhood. A true “ Good Samaritan”.

I was pretty impressed by this. This is similar to your story in that the giving from one individual caused many more to benefit other than just themself.

So thank you again for sharing,
Love your sister and fellow servant and slave of our Lord JAHeshua,
kim

Thank you, dear, dear Tams for sharing this (peace to you, my dear sister... and to you, too, my dear sister Kimmie!).

I have learned that listening to our dear Lord actually resolves any "issues" giving might have for me. As he said (and we ARE to listen to HIM, yes?):

"Give... and it WILL be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it WILL be measured to you.” - Luke 6:38

I can say, with ALL honesty, he has NOT lied to ME about this. Thing is, though, he pretty much directs me/allows me to fulfill this according to HIS will. Directs me to specific people at specific times. My job... is to not think about it, not try to "understand" it, not try to control it. Just DO... WHEN and to WHOM... HE directs.

And it's never to some "charitable organization" but to individuals that I might NEVER have chosen otherwise. I even did two (2) charitable organizations and both "went south" on me (OMG, the unending and RAMPANT solicitations!!). He finally said:

"You can listen to the propganda of those who make their living being "charitable"... or you can listen to me. The choice is absolutely yours. If you choose to listen to ME, though, be sure you're ready to do what I ask for WHOM I ask it."

And I'll tell, I often have to stifle a question ("Wait, Lord... HIM??!"). And then I'm reminded of Isaiah 58:7 and Hebrews 13:2.

We MUST give. MUST. But we don't always know to whom and whether it's for a good purpose. Since I am a foolish thing, no way I'm going to lean on my own understanding. At the same tume, if the Master urges, compels, asks, or even directs me... and he will and DOES... I try ALL I can not to hesitate. Because sometimes the opportunity is only for a minute, if not seconds.

AND... it isn't limited to a particular time of year.

Thanks, again, dear Tams... peace to you... to you ALL... and to your dear, dear households!

YSSFS of Christ,

Shel