A time of need - A time to help

It seems so many are in a special time of need. I look at it two ways - either our world is in a state of turmoil or the media has been working double time to show us all the pain our fellow human beings endure on a daily basis. Maybe we've always had this amount of trouble but it wasn't always exposed. Or maybe in my ignorant youth, I chose not to see or understand the magnitude of things.

I don't need to go into all the details of war, abuse and destruction for you to know what I'm talking about. We all live the lives of others through the eyes of news reporters.

SHARE YOUR GIFTS AND TALENTS

So now that I'm in a heightened state of awareness, as you may be too, how do I decide what to do about it? Well, it’s hard. Not everyone can get on a plane and fly to the places where they can help or reach in their pocket and give to those in need.

What seems to work for me is something I read in a request to help with my church’s religious education program. It simply suggested to “share your gifts and talents.” That really makes it simple. Realize you have something to offer: baking, event planning, computer work, sewing, etc. and then put it to use.

BRACELET PROJECT

Recently, I was asked to donate a piece of my jewelry to an auction. The auction is being run by a person who wants to raise money for an organization that provides foster care, surgeries and adoptions for special needs orphans in China. The organization is called Harmony Outreach.

It sounded like a great opportunity to help. But what I’d like to do is take it a step further. I’ve asked a couple of my vendors to donate supplies so I can create a bracelet with a cause. So far, I haven’t heard back from them, which can be discouraging, but I’m not giving up that easily.

Once these vendors come through (I have faith in them!), a sweet bracelet will be created and sold on my Etsy shop, at the shows I attend and hopefully at the gallery venues that currently represent my work. 100 percent of the sales of these bracelets will go directly to Harmony Outreach. Look for future articles on the progress of this work.

DONATE TO THE AUCTION

To donate an article to the auction, please contact Rachel Meyers. She is from Columbus, Ohio and is currently in the process of adopting one the fortunate children in the Harmony Outreach program.

HARMONY OUTREACH

Harmony Outreach is the ministry of John and Lisa Bentley and provides foster care, surgery and adoption for special needs orphans who would otherwise be cast aside and unwanted. The ministry is also creating partnerships with other orphanages, many of which need the wisdom and guidance that John and Lisa are able to provide.

To learn more about Harmony Outreach and all the wonderful work they’re doing, please visit their web site.

Here's another great place on the web that features stories and photos of a group who visited China to work with 3 orphanages and more than 100 children.

So yes, our help is needed in so many places. I hope you find a way to use your gifts and talents to make a difference in our world.