Stuff That Matters In Life

In difficult economic times, many non-profits are struggling. If you’ve been blessed by God with a job, this would be a good time to give a little extra so those ministries can continue to do good work.

There are so many good organizations, how do you decide which ones to give to?

I support ministries that meet these 3 criteria:

1. Covers a niche in ministry not duplicated by too many organizations.

2. I have received personal benefit from the ministry.

3. The ministry not only meets a social need, but also shares the gospel in an overt way.

I think it’s a good idea to diversify – pick organizations that covers different areas of ministry. I try to support one local, one international, one relief organization, and one that invests in children where our future lies.

I tend to like supporting large organizations. I think they have the synergy to make a greater impact, more bang for your buck. But I also like small ministries that do good work and have much influence in local niches often missed by large organizations. Some can have small overhead expenses relying on many volunteering for the cause.

Here are my top picks so far:

Stand To Reason – I’ve been following STR since almost it’s inception. I have not heard anyone articulate the Christian perspective to the general public in such a clear, rational, and compassionate manner as Greg Koukl. He is the founder of STR and host of the radio how on Sunday afternoons, 2-5pm on KBRT. He answered my doubts about my faith, and reassured me that there are intellectual reasons for being a Christian. If this ministry ceases to exist, it would be a great lost.

Family Life – My own marriage, perspectives of parenting and the home has improved greatly by Family Life. The radio show with Dennis Rainey touches topics that I relate with. Rainey raised 6 kids, including one adopted, and a strong advocate for adoption. That’s enough qualification for me to learn from him.

Family Life is part of Campus Crusade for Christ. I like the way CCC takes the sharing of the gospel seriously. With all the humanitarian services they provide, they never lose sight of the people’s need for salvation as the number one priority.

Overseas Missionary Fellowship – OMF sends missionaries to the front lines to sharie the gospel with those who has never heard. OMF’s founder Hudson Taylor gave his life for China. I feel no affinity to China as “my people” or anything like that. But China, along with many areas of East Asia, has many remote areas with people who has never had the opportunity to hear the Good News. Many OMF missionaries go to places I could not and would not want to go. If I can’t go, the least I can do is send money.

Advocates for Faith and Freedom – a small non-profit that fights for religious freedom in California. They are a good resource and available to give advice when needed.

If you know of a reputable conservative Christian ministry that works in human trafficking, I would like to know about it.