May 2018 Newsletter

May 2018

There is one major downside to serving on the Seeds In His Garden’s board; having to raise money.  Ironically it’s the main task entrusted to us.  I have to ask for money.  It is something I do not have a talent for, I certainly don’t enjoy doing it, and I even have a moral issue with compelling people to give.  Luckily, simply sharing about SIHG and its mission has been enough to inspire people to give.  So, rather than asking (or begging) for money, I felt it would be worthwhile if I shared some thoughts on giving in general.  I am going to implore you to give (whether to SIHG or another deserving charity or need) and hope to communicate that Seeds is a worthwhile and responsible cause if you feel compelled to give.

Growing up in the Christian tradition we are taught to give, to tithe.  When asked why we should give a few different response have been offered.  I have heard a simple explanation that we are commanded to tithe, –technically true but probably an overly simplistic interpretation of scriptures.  I have also heard that we give and in turn God will repay us, — technically untrue and a completely gibberish interpretation of scriptures–, (in my opinion).

I have settled on a different two part theory of giving.  It is based in experience (which can be dangerous) so you can judge if it stands the test of logic.  First, we give because there is a need.  Walk around your city, talk with your friends, or even watch the evening news, there is no shortage of people who are suffering and in need of assistance.  I would question a person’s sincerity if

they said did not know anybody in need of a helping hand.  I would encourage everybody to find their passion, find what stirs their heart, and then to search out an effective and financially responsible organization working on that issue and to support it.  Whether it is evangelistic, or working to alleviate poverty, or helping improve literacy, homelessness, funding research to cure diseases, the list is literally infinite when one looks at the needs in any community.  For 20 years Becky through Seeds In His Garden has helped children who were abandoned.  It only takes a minute of walking through a Kenyan slum to see there is a need for SIHG.

My second reason is more practical.  Giving serves as a discipline which helps me to be content in my life.  When I give I take an accounting of what I have and know I have enough.  If I am able to give something, it means I have enough left over for me to survive on and I am reminded of how many blessings I have.  Every month when I send in a donation to SIHG, I do it knowing I have housing, food, electricity, etc, etc.  It makes me grateful for what I have.  This is contrary to American society which is fueled by an economy built on the notion that no matter what we have, we need a little more.  When I give, I’m reminded I don’t need a little more, I have enough.

Giving refocuses my attention to what is important.  Money sent to SIHG (or another deserving group) goes to pay for things which I am tempted to take for granted.  Food, shelter, and medical care are things which not every person in the world has access to, and they are things which the children of SIHG would not have if not for all of our generous donors.

I cannot in good conscious tell you that you must give to Seeds In His Garden, but I can say you should find something to give to, something to share what you have with.  I will tell you the amount is much less important than the reason, and I will conclude that when you find and give to something which truly helps people, you will begin to enjoy your life more.  If you are able and feel led I will ask you consider Seeds In His Garden as an organization to support.

Sincerely,

Jonathan Baloian