It is amazing what a handful of people can do with purpose and direction.
In 2004, a group of college students went to Africa to help people in need. As work projects moved forward, many of the young adults expressed frustration with a perceived inability to make an impact in Africa. The size and scope of work projects seemed unending. And with only a few dollars – rather than thousands – to spare, many people felt like their efforts equated to dropping a pebble into the Grand Canyon.
This compelled several people to create a new model of giving. They asked, “what could be done if we gave up one or two premium coffees and used that money for Africa?” The group realized that they did not have thousands or millions of dollars, but that they could be faithful with money already in their pockets. This concept of making a difference with faithful giving quickly launched the Mocha Club.
Today, people can sign up, pick a service project and donate the cost of two coffees to impact the people of Africa. This allows people across the globe to pool their resources and make a huge impact in the lives of needy families. Donors can select clean water, education, orphan care, or several other projects to support. The success of Mocha Club has grown to have a massive impact both in Africa, and beyond.
You can learn more about the organization and see how to make a difference in Africa by clicking on https://www.themochaclub.org/ and join the fight to help people in need.
Jesus teaches us in Matthew 25, that those who are faithful with small things will be entrusted with great things. They will also hear our Savior say, “well done good and faithful servant.” Let us continue the work of our Lord Jesus Christ. No matter how great or small the work may be. May we be faithful in all that we do.
God Squad 
Shutdowns, furloughs, and Soldiers . . . oh my!
Posted in Christian Living, Devotions, News & Commentary, Spiritual Practices, tagged africa, am I rich, army, charity, government shutdown, horn of africa, pastor, soldier, thanksgiving on October 25, 2013|
Folks are having a tough time financially. 2013 has been a tough year for military families. Many were impacted by the furlough that started in July. Their paychecks were reduced by 20%. Others have endured hardship due to the recent government shutdown. While most military personnel were held harmless during this year’s budget battles, there are some who were unemployed for seventeen days and will not receive back pay for any of that time. Others are still waiting for the call to return to work.
When tough times arrive, you quickly determine what is necessary in your life.
I stopped wearing a watch in 2011. I didn’t really need it anymore. I had just come back from a deployment in the Horn of Africa. Over there, few people wear a watch because it is a luxury they cannot afford. Folks are primarily concerned with the basic needs of life; food, water, clothing, and shelter. A watch in Africa is simply an unnecessary item. An extravagance to many and a poor use of money to most.
I had it pretty good in Africa. Anyone was reminded of that fact when you left post and journeyed into town. There you saw people living in shacks, shanties, and cardboard boxes. You saw women selling illegal drugs on the street corner like you would see a hot dog vendor back home. You saw orphans who had been abandoned due to poverty, prostitution, HIV, or AIDS. On post, the Army fed me, gave me clothes, provided a bed at night, and paid me to work. Yes, I had it better than most of the people I saw everyday.
Americans may not realize it, but we are some of the wealthiest people in the world. In 2011, that fact became crystal clear. Unfortunately, it took an overseas deployment to see it and truly comprehend that reality.
If you made $1,500 last year, you are in the top 20% of the world’s income earners. If you made $25,000 or more annually, you are in the top 10% of the world’s income earners. If you made $50,000 or more annually, you are in the top 1% of the world’s income earners.
People may not take comfort with those figures, but it is a great reminder that even in a time of furloughs and shutdowns, God has blessed us and provides for our needs. During the good times, we do not think about the necessary, because choices are not being forced upon us. During the tough times, we see how important charity, compassion, and generosity truly are because we ourselves are in need.
We are all challenged to find what is truly necessary in life. And when that conviction hits us, there should be a response to share our abundance with others. Scripture reminds us that our value is not based on our valuables, just read Luke 12:15. In fact, we are called to be a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:6-8), to care for widows and orphans (James 1:27), and also care for the poor (Galatians 2:10).
As we approach Thanksgiving, let us take stock of our lives, find what is necessary, share what God has provided, and thank our Creator for the blessing of His tender care.
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