In class I mentioned that Lent is traditionally a time to fast. We fast to prepare for Easter. We also fast so that we might give. It is simple, really. Choose one thing from which to fast (e.g., coffee, soda, chocolate, movies, etc.) and save the money you would have spent on that thing. Then, at the end of Lent, give that money to a specific charity or NGO. Here are a few ideas. If you have others that you would like to share, please let me know and I will post them.
Blood:Water Mission (clean water in Africa)
Friends of the Orphans (Haiti--Cheryl Goodwin's daughter works for this organization)
Haiti Partners (A friend of mine, Peter Heltzel, recommends this group)
If you want something closer to home, you could support the cafe that Ron Ruthruff's wife, Linda, started: Street Bean Espresso. Or New Horizons Ministries, which is across the street from the Cafe. (They work with at risk youth on the streets of Seattle. Dan's wife volunteers there.)
Obviously, there are many more organizations out there that you could donate to, but you get the idea. There is a lot of need out in the world, and this is a great way to participate in that work.
Peace,
Chelle