Are You a Newbie?

If you're new to this blog, welcome!  If you're new to blogging in general, scroll down to get the "whys and hows" of this publication, plus all previous posts.  This is a new venture for me, and the technicalities are challenging.  But it's set up for you to follow me if you wish, meaning the posts will also come to your email. (scroll to the bottom right) I only post about every 7-10 days.

I am having issues receiving comments, as are some other bloggers, but I'm working on that along with other things to make it look and work better.  

If you like what you see and know others searching for this type information, please share.  I pray you will find Serve In Faith informational and hopefully thought provoking, and that it will spur you to serve in some way.

Water Projects for the Navajo Nation

Apologies for the pic that obviously needs to be cropped.....still figuring that out!  Beautifully shot by Adam Rich.

I've been a little out of pocket, blog-wise.  In the past I have been fairly successful at keeping up with a self-imposed once-a-week posting schedule.  Then our annual trip to Florida happened and all my best efforts went out the window....or  got buried on the beach.....or evaporated into the beauty of the sinking sun each evening.  Anyway, I was blissfully distracted.

Too lazy to write, but as always receiving information.  Here is an organization worth checking out.

I am very interested in water insecurity in our world and how it impacts families, especially women and children.  I am also very interested in Native American poverty issues.  You will see lots of information on both in this blog in the future.  So when I heard about this organization on CBS's 60 Minutes, I was intrigued.  

Dig Deep - http://www.digdeep.org

"We defend water access as a human right."  Through water access projects and education and advocacy programs, "DIGDEEP defends your human right to water.  Our two functions work together to help every human being realize the rights we all share in common."

They are working with community and nonprofit leaders (partnering with St. Bonaventure) to bring improved water access to over 370 Navajo in New Mexico.  The particular area they serve is about fifty miles west of Albuquerque.  13% of American Indians living on reservations face serious water poverty and/or wastewater disposal.  St. Bonaventure delivers about 400 gallons of water to about 200 clients in a 15-20 mile radius each month.  The same amount would last the average American citizen just four days.  It's common for the Navajo to walk or drive to collect water, sometimes several miles.  

This is a small project but is making people's lives so much easier.  On the 60 Minutes report, to save resources family members were washing their hair in a tub and saving it to be used for another's hair. This is happening within the United States border.
So much more needs to be done and funds are being accumulated to complete a new well site.

Reviewing the nonprofit watchdog and review site, Guidestar, I saw that DIGDEEP's 2013 income was only about $253,000 so they obviously need donations. missing, There was a lot of requested information missing so donor beware.  I suggest you review their website and Guidestar to determine your interest in supporting them.  But the story I saw on 60 Minutes about their very worthwhile work on the Navajo Nation made me want to "dig deeper'.  

This is not a faith-based organization.

They also have projects that are benefiting the citizens of South Sudan, Kashmir and Cameroon.  If you are interested in the issues they are engaged in this might be a good organization to support.

How to Deliver the Goods (or Goodies)

So you're a little scared to take a Blessings Bag, or sleeping bag, or any other kind of bag to a homeless person.  "Can't they just come to me?  It would be so much more comfortable if I could call them and they can just drive to the house, where I'm safe, and ring the doorbell so I can hand it to them."  Right.

Honestly you usually don't have to go anywhere, because so many people live on the streets and you may drive right by them.  But as I've said before you have to be prepared with items already in your automobile.

If you know an area where homeless citizens hang out you can often take things directly to them.  Assembling Blessing Bags is a great project for a scout troop, Sunday School class, office group - anyone that would like to serve their community in a productive way.  And delivering them is an education in itself.

Here are some guidelines:
1.  It's probably best to serve with at least one other person, or where children are involved, always send an adult too, and always stay together.
2.  Always go to a well-lit area.  Many people live in darkness....they are hiding from the authorities, or trying to stay safe from dangers on the street.  They may be tucked up under an overpass, for example.  Stay in a well-lit area and let your presence be known; they will come to you.
3.  Use common sense on interrupting them.  If they are asleep they probably don't want to be woken.  As I've said in other posts, don't presume they are not working.  They may work at night and rest during the day.  You can put the items near them.
4.  Homeless people want to be treated with respect, just as you do.  Be respectful when addressing them.  "Excuse me sir....madam....Do you know anyone that might be able to use these items?"
5.  If they say NO - thank them and go on to someone else.  
6.  They may want to share the items with another friend and will lead you to them, or point them out.  Thank them for their help.
7.  Most of the time they will be able to use the items themselves.  Always thank them and wish them well. 
8.  If you are comfortable with this, ask them if you can pray with them.  Many homeless folks love the Lord and would feel very blessed just to have someone else to pray with.

Serving the homeless is a great way to help the community and to live out your faith.