The Importance of Giving

I want to share my thoughts on the importance of giving. For a number of years now, life has gifted me the opportunity to give back to the organization I love – Joshua 1:Nine. Depending on the year, the definition of “giving” has taken different forms. Sometimes it’s a modest monetary monthly sponsorship. Other times, it’s a significant annual monetary sponsorship matched by my employer. Regardless of the contribution amount, I have seen first hand the real difference giving can make in the lives of others – the children, athletes, families and my friends in Fondo Negro.

I remember the early days of Joshua 1:Nine – 10+ years ago! The days before team meals, a team kitchen or a water filtration system. During that time, giving wasn’t always easy for me. I was younger, maybe more selfish, definitely more focused on my own well-being. Then, I took my first trip to the Dominican Republic, met children in a batey and my life changed. In the moments I took to compose myself during that visit, I was met with the strength to recognize what was always right in front of me: I have enough. I will always have enough. It became clear to me that whether I donate $40/month or $40year, I can make a significant difference in the life of itty bitty beautiful babies in the DR bateys.

Throughout the years my monetary giving has increased or decreased depending on the demands of my life and the family I support. Still, I have found a way to give something every year.

• $40/month
• Impact trips (+ my family + my friends) – Connect with me here to learn more: https://www.linkedin.com/company/joshua1nineministries
• Clothing drives
• Baseball gear drives
• Toiletry drives
• Medical supply drives
• Household items drive
• Book drives
• Suckers
• Stickers
• Donations in lieu of birthday gifts
• Employer match programs
• Board of Directors

Outside of Minnesota’s winter months, it is common for me to arrive home to a pile of baseball bats, a bag of baby clothes or a box of books dropped near the side porch with a text or note that reads, “for your next trip to the Dominican Republic”. Thankfully, God gifted me boys, who are now teenagers, who can haul 50 lb donation bags through the airport like it’s no big deal. So we fill up the basement and then we book an Impact Trip. Did you connect with me yet about making a trip? (That was supposed to be funny.)

Giving to Joshua 1:Nine is easy for me because Joshua 1:Nine’s mission and values parallel mine.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

It’s also easy for me because $40/month feeds a child for 1 year. This gets me everyday. Today I ordered a cup of coffee. It cost $6 dollars. Need I say more? Walk toward that answer and make a small pivot. Your generosity will bring you joy. And from the bottom of every heart in Fondo Negro – Thank you. Sarah Mixdorf

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Come learn more about these kids and support the mission!

IMPACT TRIPS ARE HAPPENING!

We have a big calendar of trips ahead of us for 2024. The only thing it is missing is you! Please reach out by clicking the blue box above or let someone in the organization know you are interested in meeting the people of Fondo Negro. They want to meet you too!