You are invited to join me on a mission to collect one penny for each of the 70.8 million refugees in our world right now.
Sometimes, we cast aside pennies as if they are worthless even though the truth is: their value adds up quickly.
Sometimes, we cast aside people as if they are worthless too even though the truth is: every human’s life is clearly priceless.
In our world today, we have a record 70.8 million people, who have been forced to leave their country to escape war, persecution, or natural disaster.
That means, we have 70.8 million men, women and children without permanent shelter and food, relying on the rest of humanity to help meet their basic needs.
To be clear, refugees are nurses, teachers, construction workers, lawyers and loving parents – basically, people just like us, who happened to get caught up in the turmoil of circumstances beyond their control, losing everything they’ve ever known – desperately hoping to start a new life.
The thought of helping 70.8 million displaced people can feel overwhelming.
But like the value of pennies, the efforts of individuals can add up quickly.
To stand in solidarity with the refugees, who essentially need a miracle to rebuild their lives after all they’ve been through, I am setting a goal, which will require a miracle to accomplish as well.
I am starting a grassroots campaign to collect 1 penny for each of the 70.8 million refugees, who are desperately seeking hope right now because I believe the life of each and every one of them is valuable. This will add up to 708,000 dollars, which will be donated to help refugees around the world rebuild their lives.
YES, I know this is an outrageous goal for someone, who is not a professional fundraiser by any means. But, I serve an outrageously miraculous God. As the ancient Chinese philospher Lao Tzu said: “the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” So, today I am announcing my intention by posting this blog. And tomorrow, I’ll start brainstorming creative ideas to keep this challenge going until I collect every single penny.
This will certainly require a massive community effort – please share this post or let me know if you would like to help support the Pennies for Refugees Challenge by sponsoring an event in your area.
No amount is too small! Click here to make a contribution today.
One hundred percent of proceeds will go directly to: International Rescue Committee, which is the top rated charity for refugees by the Charity Navigator.
“When there is a crisis the IRC is there, whether at the U.S.-Mexico border or in war-torn Yemen. We respond to the world’s worst crises helping refugees to survive, recover and rebuild their lives. The IRC is in the top 1 percent of charities ranked by Charity Navigator and we continue to receive an A+ from CharityWatch. Your gift will be used wisely in support of our work around the world.” (Source: http://www.rescue.org)
Be on the lookout for more events and opportunities to contribute to this essential cause soon! And please keep refugees in your prayers!
God, please use this campaign as an opportunity to shine light on the plight of refugees around the world. Bless, protect and guide each and every child of Yours, who has been forced to leave their country due to war, persecution and natural disaster. Open hearts and minds, so this campaign can be a sign of Your great love for every human being, who finds themselves living as a refugee.
written by Nicky Gant for http://www.uniteinprayer.org 7/9/2019