Africa

I haven’t made as much progress on ALARM grants as I was hoping, but I think I finally have a decent plan. As I’ve mentioned previously, I’m volunteering as a grant writer with ALARM, an organization that is trying to help the people of sub-Saharan Africa in many different ways. The recent wars, lack of development, corruption, AIDS, and a host of other problems have left much of the continent crippled. Many of the men have been killed by war. Women are second-class citizens in many countries. Millions of children are orphans due to the AIDS pandemic. Poverty is rampant. But ALARM is fighting back. We train pastors to strengthen the Christian church. We promote reconciliation among enemies. We give microloans and business training to women to empower them and help them break the cycle of poverty. We build and run schools to help children have a chance at a better future. There are so many different needs that it’s hard to know where to begin. I’m glad that ALARM, Bono’s ONE, and many other groups are mobilizing to help this amazing continent. Jenny and I hope to visit someday soon on a summer mission trip to see it for ourselves. I’m sure we would return with a new appreciation for all that we have here and a new passion for redistributing our wealth to those who need it much more.

Related posts:

1. Money for Africa I got some great news today. The Bridgeway Charitable Foundation has agreed to donate $30,000 to ALARM to fund women’s microfinance projects in Kenya, Rwanda, and Zambia! ALARM will teach...
2. Redistribution of Wealth Irving Bible is working on a new project called Less is More. Details are still cooking, but the goal is to simplify our lives by getting rid of excess stuff/services...
3. World Vision Gift Catalog Looking for an unusual gift that will make a lasting impact? Instead of buying Dad another tie or Sis another purse, purchase a microloan, pig, or share of a water...
4. Charity Efficiency Many of us give money and time to charitable organizations, such as churches, relief groups, disease-fighting groups, and more. When I give money, I don’t generally investigate the effectiveness of...
5. Teaching People How to Fish One of our favorite charities is World Vision, a Christian organization that helps needy children around the world with food, water, medicine, education, and overall economic development. Jenny and I...