I want to share with you about a trip I just took to Nicaragua with Opportunity International. They are a Christian non-profit organization that works with the poor in more than 30 countries. They provide micro financing to entrepreneurs and also have created an economic development program to help the poor obtain self-sustainability and improve their communities. I am working on writing the journal that documents our entire trip to Nicaragua. I went with seven other people, two are OI workers, and the others are business people whose hearts are to help the poor.

After taking this trip and seeing firsthand how these programs truly help restore people’s dignity and self-worth, I am convinced there is a better way to give than what we’ve been doing most of our lives. When we give to the poor without teaching them the tools to improve their lives and to become self-sustainable, we may be doing them a disservice after all.