Empowerment and Christian Economic Development
Last week one of our staff members, Raynelle McKissick, heard from Deacon Debby Buffum, a longtime Five Talents friend who gave us permission to share this. Deacon Buffum donated a memorial gift in honor of the passing of a friend's adult son. She first considered a donation to a nonprofit that supports animals after seeing an ad in a newspaper, but then she thought about Five Talents. She told us that she loves our programs because we "teach people how to paddle their own canoes". Deacon Buffum (and her husband Frank) are two of FT's longest supporters; their first gift was in March, 2000. They've lived all over the world and served in places like Madras as part of Mother Teresa's Missionaries Charity in India.
A Life Lesson We Can All Learn
Raynelle told her she hit the nail on the head about FT's programs. Deacon Buffum shared that 41 years ago, after losing her son to cancer when he was only 14 years old, a friend came to her and told her she had too much to give to stay in the house. She ended up going to a local Jr. High in CA and started teaching as a sub. She taught Physics, Math and Chemistry. One of the most important things she taught her students was life lessons and that "you need to know how to paddle your own canoe." This is the same thought that resonates with her about our programs. And ultimately, what our participants learn is passed on to their families and continues to make an impact through their communities.
Until next Monday morning,
Dale Stanton-Hoyle,
Executive Director
Five Talents partners with churches around the world to help women and men start and grow their own businesses. Click here to learn more.