By Todd Paetznick, December 1, 2023

“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased” (Hebrews 13:16 NIV).

It is approaching the year’s end, and many of us are deluged with charitable giving requests.  The sheer number of requests can feel overwhelming to the point that they all begin to sound like background noise to be ignored and shut out from our consciousness.  In the middle of this, and the rest of end of year craziness, could we actually forget to do good to people in need as the writer of Hebrews suggests?  

I doubt we would actually forget, but maybe we don’t get around to doing something good for people we can help.  Undoubtedly, our lives are busy, and many tasks get pushed down our prioritized list of what must be done.  Helping the needy is apparently one of those items that are low on our lists, which is not even unique to our generation.  For the writer of Hebrews to draw his readers’ attention to their “forgetting” to do good indicates that this was also an issue 2,000 years ago.  

Let me suggest that we do something right now before we forget. Pick a cause that is on your mind and donate.  Right now.  There may be a good reason you are concerned about a particular cause; it may be that the Holy Spirit is moving you toward helping to meet a need of someone somewhere you may never meet or know about.  

If you are unsure of what you could do for someone or where to start, let me stimulate some of your thinking and do some of the legwork for you . . .  

Missionaries.  Most mission organizations encourage one-time gifts to support missionaries in the field.  Given our friend’s and acquaintances’ sacrifices to further the gospel, your gift will undoubtedly be appreciated.  Reach out to the staff at the church you attend if you are unsure where to give. 

Crisis Pregnancy Centers.  A Beacon of Hope is one organization in the Atlanta area that has done great work in rescuing unborn children.  Their website says over 8,500 babies have been saved through their organization’s work.  https://www.friendsofbeacon.com/fob/

Help for local people and families in crisis.  The City of Refuge in Atlanta offers housing and food to people in need in Atlanta.  They offer vocational training with support from companies that include NAPA Auto Parts, Arby’s Restaurants, and others.  They offer opportunities to donate your money and time.  Many companies will match donations made to The City of Refuge; you can often double your gift when done through your company.  I have also used them to host a team-building workday for the Silicon Valley-based technology company I worked for.  https://www.cityofrefugeatl.org

Food and Clothing for people in need.  MUST Ministries primarily serves people’s food, clothing, and other needs with facilities in Cobb and Cherokee counties in Georgia.  They have over 17,000 volunteers and are one of the most respected servant-leaders in the State.  https://www.mustministries.org

Homeless shelter and food services.  The Atlanta Mission is the largest and longest-running provider of services to needy men, women, and children in Atlanta.  They served over 560,000 meals and hosted over 187,000 bed nights in 2022.  They also offer counseling and job-related services.  https://atlantamission.org

Housing around the world.  Habitat for Humanity builds homes for the needy around the world.  They offer opportunities for volunteers to help build homes and offer the new owners affordable mortgages.  The organization operates in all 50 States and 70 countries and has helped more than 46 million people.  Former President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn were significantly involved with the organization for over 30 years following their time in the White House.  (Rest in Peace, Mrs. Carter).  https://www.habitat.org

Global Poverty.  Compassion International offers the opportunity to make a difference in a child’s life somewhere in the world.  A monthly sponsorship of a child will assist with the cost of education and meeting basic needs.  They operate in 29 countries and blend physical, social, economic, and spiritual care in Jesus’ name.  https://www.compassion.com

What need is right in front of you?