Make a Difference

Here at Inspire a Fire, we’re all about inspiring others to make a difference in their world. The truth is, anyone can make a difference, if they put their hearts and minds into it. It really does only take one person to make a spark and light an inferno of change in this world.

Which is where you come in. Throughout the year, we bring you various ministries who are working to change the world for Christ. Some are local ministries who have no outside funding and can use every dime you can spare. Others are national or international ministries we’d like to make you aware of. Maybe you have heard of them before; maybe their names are completely new to you. But, whether you’ve heard of them or not, they are comprised of people like you and me who are working together in unity to bring change to our world. What we would like to do at Inspire a Fire is encourage you to get involved.

How do I do that you say? There are many ways one person can minister change to their world. First, recognize that you have your very own sphere of influence. You touch people’s lives every day. Whether it’s your family, the people you work with, the people you go to school with, or the people in your neighborhood, you come into contact with them every day. Each and every one of us has needs. These needs can range from a friendly smile to a new home. They can be a warm meal, a new pair of shoes, or an encouraging word. And don’t forget that we all need Jesus. No matter what the need is, God has given you the ability to fill it.

Each of us has gifts and talents. God has generously endowed us with them, and these are an integral part of who we are. What are they, and how do I use them? Well, what are you passionate about? Do you enjoy serving others? Hospitality may be your gift. Volunteering at your local food bank may be a great way to serve God with that gift. Do you love traveling to far away places? Maybe missions is a great match for you. Do you have a heart for women and/or children? Most towns have a local crisis pregnancy center that could use volunteers. Are you highly organized? Do you like to put things into order? What about helping out at the local food bank, stocking shelves or handing out groceries? No matter what your passion or talent is, there is a great need in this world for people who care enough about others that they simply desire to serve.

We hope you’ll find articles here that will encourage you to take a step of faith and reach out your hand to the needs of those around you. And, if you have a story to share about how God has used you to glorify Him through serving others, we’d love to hear about it!

Maybe you are too busy to step out into the world at this time. Maybe you’re a mom of four who is doing all she can to keep her own home in order. Maybe you’re a businessman who travels around the world for your company, leaving you no time for a ministry trip. How can you help? Below, we’ve listed several of the ministries we’ve supported during the time we’ve been around. When clicking on the links, you’ll be transported to their websites’ donation pages. It only takes pocket change to make a difference. God is in the habit of multiplying what little we have to give. It’s our heart that matters to him. He appreciates cheerful givers. If you’d like to make a donation, I know that our featured ministries will honestly disperse your funds to meet the needs of the people they serve. They truly are the hands and feet of Christ.

So, what can you do today to make a difference in your world? Whatever it is, I pray that God uses you mightily for His kingdom purposes here on earth. And thank you for taking the time to do so.

Cadence International: Cadence International is an evangelical mission agency dedicated to reaching the military communities of the United States and of the world with the Good News of Jesus Christ. For five decades, Cadence has grown from a small, fledgling mission to an organization with close to 200 missionaries who work in over 50 locations worldwide.

Living Water International: Living Water International exists to demonstrate the love of God by helping communities acquire desperately needed clean water, and to experience “living water”—the gospel of Jesus Christ—which alone satisfies the deepest thirst.

Compassion International: Compassion International exists as a Christian child advocacy ministry that releases children from spiritual, economic, social and physical poverty and enables them to become responsible, fulfilled Christian adults. Founded by the Rev. Everett Swanson in 1952, Compassion began providing Korean War orphans with food, shelter, education and health care, as well as Christian training. Today, Compassion helps more than 1.2 million children in 26 countries.

Christian Devotions: The mission of Christian Devotions is two-fold: First, to provide personal and relatable devotions for those who may not otherwise be exposed to the Word of God. Second, to promote Christian writing and reading. Our devotions are, at times, both bold and humorous, but never beyond the bounds of decency. A devotion may be someone’s only Bible for the day.

Hands for Soldiers: Hands for Soldiers is a non-profit organization started by, then eight year old and now fifteen year old Jandy Turner, in order to send care packages to servicemen and women around the world. She calls her gifts “Handi-Bags”, because they are in the shape of a hand. She needs your help to continue her project. With each bag she writes a hand-written card that says, “Thank you for your service. You deserve a big hand. Love, Janey.” In the past seven years, she has reached over 20,000 soldiers with her message.