FEATURED ARTICLE

An old adage, "When God closes a door, He opens a window", is stated differently in St. Paul's epistle. The Epistle to the Romans states "All things work together for the good of those who love the Lord" We clearly see this verse illustrated in our daily lives and the lives of our brothers and sisters. For instance, we see God's intervention in the life of Narges Ayob, a mother of 5 in Upper Egypt. Narges recently lost her husband in an accident. Left to support her five children, Narges earnestly prayed for Ashraf, age 27; Nadia, age 25; Mariam, age 20; Mina, age 18; and Girgis, age 17. Weighing on her heart deeper than the physical death of her husband, was the spiritual death of her son, Ashraf, who had abandoned his faith and church. She also struggled for ways to provide money for Nadia to marry and for Mariam to earn her college degree. She also prayed for Mina, who had been diagnosed with a liver illness and had to leave school. Many can hear the about Narges’s life and feel pity toward her or wonder how the bible says "all things work together for the good". ERA, however, looked beyond the surface and offered itself an open window for God to work through. ERA provided Narges with the resources to open a vegetable stand. In doing so, ERA not only provided Narges a financial support for her children but also the time and energy to concentrate on their spiritual and emotional needs. After seeing Mona's deep concern for her older son, representatives from ERA have been reaching out to Ashraf, showing Him the love of Christ. Through the life of Narges Ayob, we are reminded of God's command to be serving our brothers and sisters. When we are faithful in the little, He is faithful in the much. As He fed the thousands with the five little loaves the boy offered, He continues to feed the Ayob house with spiritual, physical, and emotional food through the vegetable stand provided by ERA.

                                                                                           

Do you know that:

 

70% of American households make a contribution to one or more charitable
organizations.
The average gift of contributing households is $1,075, or 2.1% of income.
According to Giving USA, individual Americans give a total of almost $135
billion to charitable and community causes.

The nonprofit sector cannot take the place of government programs, nor can it
single-handedly cure the ills and disparities of society. But each of us can
make a difference in a small way, in our own sphere, and can find ways to help
that will make our efforts worth the time and trouble we invest in them.

Some of the Best Reasons to Give are the ones you may not have considered -
the ones that make it worth your while to go that extra step. People who have
contributed money to a charity report that they get back in satisfaction and joy
more than they ever expend in inconvenience or effort - what you get back is
immeasurable. You'll also receive these benefits:

Giving helps keep taxes and other costs down.
Giving returns to society some of the benefits society gives you.
Giving lets those who have more, share with those who have less.
Giving encourages more giving - you can set an example for others.

It's What in the World You Can Do!
You might be thinking, "The little bit that I can do will never help much!" or
"What in the world can I do?" If you've ever spent ten minutes reading a book to
a lonely child, you know that even that small amount of compassion and
attention can make a world of difference. No one person can solve the world's
problems, but what little you do can make your little corner of the world-or one
far away from yours a happier, healthier, safer place to live for those who need
your help. Each of us can right a wrong, fill a plate, visit a shut-in or clean up a
park - and that does make a difference for us all!