My charity: Brian Johnson
I'm supporting Brian Johnson, or as I like to call him, "Unky Bri." He works at G.O. Ministries as the Director of Education. He has been working hard to educate national church leaders and ministry staff in the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and the U.S. to learn and communicate the truth of God's word. Primarily, he's been using his previous experience of teaching at a bible college by establishing a full-time ministry training center in Santiago, DR. I'm proud of my uncle and the amazing sacrifice it is to teach others the word of God in different cultures and languages.
My charity: Keep Indianapolis Beautiful
KIB's mission is to "unite people to beautify the city, improve the environment, and foster pride in the community." Through our involvement in the Adopt-A-Block program, we have seen people begin to truly care about the neighborhoods we live in, and work to care for the streets we live on. Tree-planting and park-restoration programs like NeighborWoods and Greenspace are essential to creating a community to become a part of - to begin viewing our neighbors as people we live with instead of just next to.
My charity: Susan G. Koman for the Cure
This Christmas season, my mom is battling breast cancer. My siblings, our extended family, and many friends are loving and supporting her in the fight. One way I can let her know I love her is by sending my donation to "the largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists working together to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures." Jeanette McBroom, you are loved.
My charity: Samaritan's Purse
"When can we pack the shoebox, mom?!"
Every year my son looks forward to packing a shoebox full of toys for a child we'll never know. This small act is so meaningful in our family ... mostly as a tangible reminder that there are children all over the world who don't get to experience the joy and peace at Christmas that we so often take for granted. Operation Christmas Child is only one part of outreach efforts of Samaritan's Purse—others include medical missions, community development and clean water initiatives.
My charity: Village Creek Bible Camp
Stressful. Busy. Scattered. Too often these words describe our world, our schedules and our family time. The past two summers our family has enjoyed an incredible week of fun, rest, and connection with God and each other. Located in the hills of northeast Iowa, Village Creek Bible Camp has become a favorite place for our family! I praise God for the life and energy of this camp - and its commitment to reaching even more kids, teens and families for Christ in the years to come.
My charity: Jeneson (Jay) & Sandy Abraham, Missionaries to Sierra Leone
My husband and I became friends with Jay and Sandy when we were in a small group together in Chicago (before they were parents to their three adorable children!). Their life-changing adventure takes them from the familiar Midwest suburbia to the west coast of Africa to serve as a physician assistant and family nurse practitioner through Global Outreach Mission. I admire their determination, faith and courage to serve God on the other side of the world and am humbled by their love.
My charity: Wounded Warrior Project
The Wounded Warrior Project cares for our service men and women who have "incurred service-connected injures—from the physical to the invisible wounds of war." My younger brother is joining the Navy Seals next year and will not be at home with us on Christmas. It is important to me that our service men and women know they are not forgotten after they return, that their sacrifice is appreciated, and that a dedicated organization exists to support and love them when they do come home.
My charity: Bethany Christian Services
This year my wife and I have been in the process of adopting a child through Bethany. Bethany ministers to children around the world through many international services including adoption. We love how Bethany is God-focused and their mission calls them to demonstrate the love and compassion of Jesus Christ by protecting vulnerable children around the world.