Since 1979, Joni and Friends, the organization started by Joni Eareckson Tada after a diving accident left her a quadriplegic, has advocated for those living with disabilities and their families. Part of its thriving global ministry includes the Wheels for the World program that has donated over 235,000 wheelchairs.
Read MoreThe flood waters trapped one of Geren Street’s neighbors as he tried to escape in his truck. First responders were able to answer the neighbor’s distress call and freed him as the force of the water pinned the truck door closed. In the days that followed, Street housed the man at First Baptist Church of Roan Mountain along with several other families who lost everything.
Read MoreThe Christian relief organization Samaritan’s Purse, no stranger to reducing tremendous suffering and damage in communities all over the world, has had to find a way to help others as well as themselves. In fact, once Hurricane Helene robbed millions of Americans of their electricity and running water, the focus had to become more local.
Read MoreGiving is down among evangelical Christians, according to a new study by Infinity Concepts and Grey Matter Research. The study — called “The Giving Gap: Changes in Evangelical Generosity” — found that 61% of evangelicals say they gave to their church in the last 12 months. That is down 13 percentage points from 2021, when 74% reported giving to their local congregation.
Read MoreCastle Rock, Colorado, has closed the on-site temporary shelter hosted by The Rock, according to a complaint filed on behalf of the church by First Liberty, a legal defense fund that defends religious freedom.
Read More(ANALYSIS) True Charity is a network of nearly two hundred organizations that seek to improve charity, influence relevant policy, and inform the public about the importance of effective compassion. The group held its annual conference last week in Springfield, Missouri.
Read More(ANALYSIS) Nearly 70% of Muslim Americans say they always give zakat, a yearly donation of 2.5% of one’s wealth that Islam encourages, during Ramadan according to a new study I worked on. Our Muslim Philanthropy Initiative research team at Indiana University surveyed 1,136 Muslims across the country in 2023 to assess the connection between Ramadan and zakat. We also looked into demographic differences in Muslim giving tied to Ramadan.
Read MorePastor Manuel Castro was in tears. Sobbing, he recalled his frustration and heartbreak at having to halt Iglesia Bautista Gethsemani’s food distribution ministry after the city threatened his arrest. For 25 years, Castro said he has ministered to the spiritual and humanitarian needs of the agricultural town, near the Mexican border, including many seasonal workers with an unemployment rate of 28.1 percent.
Read MoreChaplains have to be delicate on what questions and subjects they talk about if they want to establish a connection. “It can be very difficult because many times, they may feel that they have been abandoned by families and friends and by God. So we will try to help them, hopefully, to understand that we personally do not feel that they are abandoned by God,” said Rene Palacios, director of chaplaincy and community care at the Denver Rescue Mission.
Read MoreAs we reach the end of 2023, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the stories that had the biggest impact this year on the world of religion. We are also counting on you to help our journalism grow.
Read MoreIn what has become an annual holiday tradition, Salvation Army volunteers have flooded the streets across the United States and in countries around the world seeking donations for the organization’s annual Red Kettle campaign.
Read MoreWhile Uncle Sam grants Americans tax deductions for charitable giving, the government prohibits deductions for donations to political groups. But a growing number of donors on the left and the right have used “dark money” to exploit a simple work-around.
Read MoreCivil society groups, many faith-based, have stepped in to provide a vital bridge between new arrivals and local communities. Some are skeptical of these faith-based organizations, but their work in communities, understanding of religion and multi-faith partnerships make them ideal to help migrants build support systems.
Read MoreThe charity of American missionary Renee Bach, accused of causing more than 100 child deaths in Uganda, is now dissolved. Bach is accused of performing medical procedures without being a doctor. She settled out of court with two mothers who each lost a son.
Read More(ANALYSIS) Americans continue to be generous — but churches and some faith-based groups have suffered the most these days when it comes to donations. A drop in donations to these non-profits would also have a global impact.
Read MoreLSPT is a small but effective charity based at a private, Muslim academy in the town of Jombang, Indonesia. LSPT serves some 1,000 of its neighbors each month with its mission of meetings needs in the local community first.
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