By Jeff and Jenny King
Dear Kids,
Merry Christmas! We have been so blessed to have a Savior that was born and came into the world to die for each of us. What an amazing truth! We will be forever grateful for the gift of eternal life that comes through Him.
John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
One of the things that the Bible tells us to do is to give thanks through offerings and gifts. We GET to do this. Giving beyond our comfort levels allows us to see how God always provides for us in ways we don’t even see or understand.
Proverbs 11:24-25
One person gives freely, yet gains even more;
another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.
A generous person will prosper;
whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.
God tells us that everything that we have is from Him. It’s not for us to selfishly spend all on ourselves, but to take care of our family, widows, orphans, and the poor. Yes, we GET to do this. It brings way more joy to help someone in need than to spend it on the next outfit or trinket that we really don’t need. However, God does want to bless us too. When we give, we are storing up treasures in heaven where moth and rust cannot destroy!
Matthew 6:19-21
Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
In the past, we have given each of you $250 to go out and discover where you would like the resources to go. Then, we come back together as a family to hear and celebrate. In 2021, we want to try something new! Each household will explore where they see need and then come back to share it with the family. There is a process to making sure the charity is in good standing. We want everyone to go through this so you know how to vet a charity.
- Go on the charity’s website and see what they are up to and how active they are right now. Check them out on social media for the same reason. Many charities unfortunately have gone under due to Covid and lack of support. Learn new things about them!
- Call the charity and ask where the biggest need is and how you can pray for them. In this way maybe you will want to give to something specific in their ministry. Or, maybe someone is doing matching donations.
- Check out their status and see if they are being responsible with their resources by paying taxes, etc. You can do that by getting their EIN# (Employee identification number) on the website or ask for it when you call. Then you plug it in on this website. https://apps.irs.gov/app/eos/
When we come together we will share our organization and why we think they would be a good choice. Then we will each rate in order the four organizations nominated for our donation. We will have ONE final winner. This is pooling our resources to make a greater impact. Instead of each giving $250 to many different organizations we will be able to collectively donate $2000 to make a greater impact!
We love you and are excited to do something new this year. I hope you are energized by the pooling of our resources and will consider it in future giving as appropriate within your own families. May the Lord Richly Bless You!
Love,
Mom and Dad