If many of you are like us, you’re inundated with requests to give. It seems to accelerate as the holidays approach.

We’re all limited in our capacity to give. I feel a little guilty when I drop a request in the trash and move on — as Christians we realize we’re blessed. Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians says “each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

OK.

Now we have to decide how much giving our budget can allow. Our church comes first, then the choices confront us. This community is very generous and giving to provide for so many needs.

We reached out to dozens of local ministries in the area and asked them to provide us a short paragraph of their needs for the year ahead. We are including those that responded, so think of this as only a partial guide, not an exhaustive list.

New Hope for Adopted International Kids: Sandra Moats said they have a computer system that is more than 10 years old and need it replaced along with software, $3,000. The group needs a tractor for projects, hay for the critters and someone to install tile and flooring. They have about 10 children at the ranch at this time.

New Covenant Missions: Erik Laursen runs the group, which supports indigenous pastors in Central Africa. You are invited to look at this page on the website: persecuted.funraise.org

Women’s Development Track: Wendy Wilson helps develop experiences for missionary women, pouring into to them for all they pour into others. Go to WomensDevelopment Track.com if you would like to give.

Edify Northwest: The Coursons, of Rathdrum, head up this ministry. They’ve built more than 50 homes in the slums of Tijuana. They will have two trips in 2020, one in March and a special trip in May that will be specifically for teens from Christian Center School. It needs to raise $10,400 for building materials. Each trip changes the lives of two families. Email [email protected].

Open Arms Pregnancy Center/Real Choices Clinic: It has declared 2020 as the year of seeing more clearly. It works with schools in Kootenai County to bring a message of healthy relationships and sexual risk avoidance to students. It is seeking a new staff member to bring this message. We would covet the prayers of the community, the favor of teachers and school administrators and donors to help fund the effort. We need to raise $30,000 to $40,000 the first year. Questions can be directed to [email protected]

Salvation Army: Christy Markham, director of development highlighted the Salvation Army’s “Clothe the Child” ministry, which identifies grade school kids who need warm, new clothing and takes them on a chaperoned shopping trip right before Christmas. With a budget of $100 per child and special discounts from host stores, each child comes away with a coat, boots, sweaters, pajamas and other necessities. For more information call the Kroc or email [email protected].

Freedom Bound: Gracey Laursen needs sponsors for T-shirt embroidery. It costs $5 to embroider each T-shirt for sale. That costs eats into funds it could use to fight human trafficking. Freedom Bound is also seeking support to build a small school for 200 orphans in Ethiopia who have been displaced by civil unrest.

Man in the Mirror: Larry Phelps, the local director of this men’s ministry, is looking for churches who want to reach men seeking to develop life skills. “We need to build up better husbands, fathers as well as leaders in our community,” Phelps said. “We also would love to see men interested in being mentors in this ministry.”

Great Northern University: To train future leaders to reach the world for Christ, Great Northern believes a student’s potential should not be limited by financial difficulties. It’s hoping to initiate a needs-based scholarship fund to allow more students the opportunity to serve. For more information contact Wendy Liddell at [email protected] or 509-284-7100.

Union Gospel Mission for Women and Children: For 60 years Union Gospel Mission has been leading the way in helping people break free from addiction. It needs funds to renovate its apartments, which are in urgent need of repair. For more information please contact [email protected].

Young Life: As Young Life continues to grow and come alongside the teens in our community for Christ they are in the need for more male leadership and mentors. If you care about young people we invite you to come alongside a community of people that enjoy being part of the lives of teens. For more information on Young Life contact [email protected].

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Bob Shillingstad’s religion columns appear Saturdays in The Press. Email Bob: [email protected]