“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”’
— Mr. (Fred) Rogers
In the midst of some of our world’s most difficult moments, you will also find people at their best. If you look closely, you’ll see people running toward a conflict or disaster, arms full of supplies and hearts full of compassion. These people are the rescuers, the hope-bringers, the humanitarians.
World Humanitarian Day is a day set aside to remember these people on the front lines of crises around the world. They step up physically and financially when violence or natural disasters strike. Thankfully, the World Help family is full of them.
For just $8, you can be one of them, too.
What is a humanitarian?
Simply put, a humanitarian is defined as a person who is “concerned with or seeking to promote human welfare.” They are people defined by their compassion and their willingness to give of their time and money to care for the hurting around the world. They are, as Mr. Rogers put it, “the helpers,” and they are dedicated to changing lives in their own unique way.
Here’s a look at some of the people who, just like you, are giving what they can to help rescue people in crisis:
When it comes to compassion, age is just a number
Cole comes from a long line of world changers. His whole life, he’s seen his parents and grandparents choose to make a difference in the lives of people around the world. Now, at the age of 11, he decided it was his turn to help.
“When I was listening and heard that $8 can impact a person’s life, that’s so [little] for us but so much for them — so why not give some money to help?” Cole said. “As a kid, it’s hard to understand, but a little bit of money really helps.”
Read more about how Cole is helping people in need here.
A former sponsored child seeks to help others
Tragedy and poverty were constant companions as Tabitha grew up in Nepal. Then, her life was transformed when she received a child sponsor. She was able to get an education and pursue a career as a teacher. During her time in school, she was even able to travel as a member of the Children of the World International Children’s Choir.
Today, Tabitha is thankful for the blessings she received, and she is committed to giving back. For the past several years, she has served the Children of the World as a team leader or “auntie.” She helps the children as they experience a journey similar to the one she took as a child and consistently points the kids back to the hope that is found in Jesus.
Read more of Tabitha’s story here.
Planting seeds of hope in the midst of crisis
Jere and Emilee Gettle run Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, a company that offers nearly 2,000 varieties of vegetables, flowers, and herbs seeds. They are passionate about encouraging gardeners and farmers, but they are also passionate about helping victims of natural disasters.
Jere sees giving as a partnership between him and his customers. “People really enjoy helping with the fundraisers we do,” he said. “It also educates people — we try to get people thinking about not just purchasing seeds, but hopefully working with nonprofit causes or even local things they can help out in their area.”
Learn more about Baker Creek’s disaster relief efforts here.
Cake pops: a catalyst for clean water
After being inspired by Noel Yeatt’s book, Awake, Abby Harnack realized she should never back down from the challenge of helping to better the lives of others. Although she didn’t have much to give, she knew she had skills that could help her fundraise and make a difference for people.
So, as a full-time teacher and developing baker, Abby is taking on the global water crisis — one cake pop at a time.
Discover how Abby is changing the world through baking here.
From tragedy to transformation
When David and Carol Loveland lost their daughter, the grief was almost too much for the couple to carry. Then, a friend gently reminded them that sometimes helping others is just what we need to begin the healing process.
Today, Carol Loveland has leveraged her grief to help others who are hurting … in Guatemala, in India, and beyond.
Read the two-part story of Carol’s impact here and here.
Changing lives in the gym and in Guatemala
Ben Crosswhite’s personal and professional goal is to help people regain their health. He owns and runs both a successful gym and a restaurant that offers healthy food. His hours are spent as a personal trainer, but over the past few years, he has been able to use his business to bring health to people in need in Guatemala.
“One of the main reasons I give for the [water] wells is because I know it’s changing lives,” he said. “We’re really saving hundreds and hundreds of lives, and there’s no better feeling.”
Learn more about how Ben is improving health through clean water here.
Generosity is a family affair: Mary and Chris
When Chris and Mary heard about the needs in Uganda during a church service, they didn’t hesitate to take part. Now, along with the rest of their congregation, the family has played a key role in bringing a library to a group of children who desperately wanted an education.
The couple was even able to travel to Uganda with their three kids and see the impact they are having firsthand.
“I knew it would be exciting,” Mary said, “but I didn’t know what an incredible blessing it would be to us. To think, we might have missed it if we had let the enemy tell us that we didn’t have much to offer or that a trip this big was too much effort.”
Click here and here to read the rest of Mary and Chris’ story.
What part will you play?
These are just a few of the many world changers who make up the World Help family. Each and every one of them is committed to helping on the front lines of crises, poverty, and tragedy. They use what they can to bring physical help and spiritual hope to people in need … and you can, too.
Every $8 you give helps rescue one person with physical help and spiritual support. You can help transform the life of a person in need today.