Well for the first case, at least part of the solution is put in a nutshell in the saying “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day, teach a man to fish and you feed him for a life time.” So how do we do that? Well one of the charities that I regularly support, is called Opportunity International (OI). It is a micro-financing charity, that has impressed me with the way it goes about things. In particular not only are small loans extended to those showing initiative, but do not qualify for loans from the bank, but OI also brings together like-minded people within a community, trains and follows them up, requiring them to be responsible not only for themselves, but for each other. It works very well, produces jobs and fosters true community. Repayment rates are surprisingly high, which then frees up capital to do it over and over!
In another direction, for $39 Canadian Blind Mission Canada, will restore the sight of a care giver with cataracts in a developing country. And there are many other ways of giving that are not toxic. On the other hand the toxic enablement of the left of oppressed and marginalized groups, is not so easily remedied. It takes one on one costly long term tough love. Sounds like a topic for tomorrow!
Father, thank You for showing me that we need to be responsible for checking out the effects of our attempts of helping others. Thank You too Lord, that You give wisdom liberally when we lack it and ask for it (James 1:5). Continue to open my eyes Lord so that my helping may be helpful and not harmful in Jesus Name Amen
Opportunity International currently serves 9.6 million hardworking entrepreneurs in 22 countries around the world, giving them hope, dignity and vision for the future.
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