About 14 years ago, I would see those depressing TV commercials for orphaned children. You’ve seen them… opening with a sappy song and showing a scrawny-legged, filth-covered child with a sad look on his face. And you’re already changing the channel, right?

You probably think, like I used to, “Whatever”… “Nothing I can do to help”… “Shameless promotion” or maybe, “America has its own problems to deal with.” I used to agree with you. But let me tell you, over the years my viewpoint has completely changed. Why? Because at that time, I thought I couldn’t do anything about it!

If I named a few of the natural disasters that have occurred in recent years, what do you think of? The typhoon in the Philippines that killed more than 10,000 people? The earthquake in Japan that caused a tsunami and melted 3 nuclear reactors (while killing 19,000)? Or do you remember hearing about the earthquake in Haiti that led to the death of 314,000 people?

These events tend to hit the headlines for a few weeks and then fizzle out. Americans look away from where there is need and look to what is on sale at the department store. We’re afflicted with “Headline ADHD.” And I used to be just like that! In the past decade, I’ve learned I actually CAN make a big difference in those countries.

The doubt starts with your finances. You think you can’t afford it, you’re barely making ends meet or maybe you don’t see the need. But there is one amazing money skill I’ve learned over the years. And since I started consistently giving 10% to the widowed and the orphans, our finances have been blessed! Our profits have been blessed!

Instead of feeding your greed, feed a spiritual blessing! Because if you feed the orphan, the widow and the sick, your Father will in turn take care of you. “I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me drink; I was a stranger and you took me in; I was naked and you clothed me; I was sick and you visited me; I was in prison and you came to me.” (Matthew 25:35)

And let me tell you, hearing about the poverty and even seeing the commercials is NOTHING like seeing it in person. It’s heartbreaking in ways you can’t even imagine. In America, there are daily comforts and conveniences. Tablets, smartphones, cars, jewelry and an abundance of clothes. People aren’t worried about when their next pair of jeans are arriving in the mail. They don’t worry about video games, heaters or electronics.

Imagine living in a decrepit, unsafe hovel, made from waste material, all sitting on top of old mining tunnels that could explode and sink at any moment. Imagine having no water to drink, no safe place to raise your children, no food or clean water to give your starving baby. Imagine your children never learning to read because they have to drop out of school to support your family. Imagine living in constant fear that your “home” will one day be destroyed or just sink into a pit!

These are the daily realities of  life for families in the poverty-stricken, high-risk zone of Santa Pancha in Malpaisillo, Leon, Nicaragua. These families live in such poverty they can barely meet their basic needs for food, have little access to safe, clean drinking water and are in desperate need of safe housing. Our goal is to build 1000 new homes, at the affordable price of just $5,200.00 each.

Don’t turn a blind eye, friend. When it stops being news, don’t just push it out of your brain and let your mental attentions scamper on to the next “shiny object.” Because real hope and aid can always be given!

For now, I just encourage you to give anything. Be it a quarter, a dollar or even $25, every cent means so much more in the life of these families… and so many more like them. If you don’t know where to give, you can always always check out King’s Ransom Foundation. This is an organization dedicated to feeding the sick, taking care of the elderly, the abused, the abandoned and upholding the cause of the orphan.

If you are already a giver, tell me how it’s changed your life in the comments below and make sure to Like and Share today’s message. Stop ignoring the problem and become a part of the solution!

Ready to feed your faith? Join us for The Dani Johnson Show at 7 am or demand whenever you’re ready to tune in!  Check out where you can find us on your TV or radio today or simply stream the show live on our website. Please join me today for this uplifting discussion!

In great faith,

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