Sell and Give

Here's an interesting challenge by Children's Hopechest to encourage a spirit of giving. This ministry focuses on providing for orphans in Russia, South Africa, and Swaziland, but the concept could apply to raise money for any charity of your choice (as well as clearing your house of stuff you don't use!).

Check it out:

What I Have

May 11, 2008 - The Day of Pentecost

SELLING THEIR POSSESSIONS AND GOODS, THEY GAVE TO ANYONE AS HE HAD NEED. - ACTS 2:45

SILVER OR GOLD I DO NOT HAVE, BUT WHAT I HAVE I GIVE YOU - ACTS 3:6

The early church was known by their generosity. Christianity was even criticized as a "religion of widows and orphans." As we celebrate the church on the Day of Pentecost, let's seek the same criticism and live with the same life-giving generosity. There are millions of orphaned children waiting for you to give them what you have. Give what you have.

SELL:

*Choose a personal item of value (a leather coat, an electric guitar, a video game system, a canoe, jewelry, furniture, a collector's item, etc.)
*Sell the item. You can use whatever method is most familiar to you: eBay, Craigslist, a yard sale, a consignment shop, or the classifieds.
*Collect the money.

GIVE:

*Go to http://www.hopechest.org/; choose "GIVE" and fill out the form.
*Write "What I Have 2008" in the Notes/Child Reference Number field.

PROMOTE:

Click on the links below to download promotional materials for use in your church, small group, or school. There are several versions of the poster formatted for different sizes and usages. Feel free to re-post this information all over the Internet too (on Facebook, your blog, MySpace, or wherever your online home is.)

What I Have - POWERPOINT SLIDE
What I Have - POSTER (11x17 format)
What I Have - BULLETIN INSERT (8.5x5.5 format)
What I Have - FLYER (8.5x11 format)

These funds will be directed toward the most urgent and strategic programs in holistic and long-term orphan care. Some of those outreaches could include:

*Feeding programs
*Educational initiatives
*Health care
*Community development
*Spiritual discipleship

If you have any questions, contact Daniel at daniel@hopechest.org or (719) 955 4009.

Children's HopeChest is a member in good standing of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability.