5 cents per cup of coffee really is a paltry amount of money for a corporation like Starbucks. For a $5-$8 cup of coffee, I think they could do better. But, in my opinion, I don't think of Project RED as the perfect mode of raising money to make a REAL difference. The only way to make a real difference in the lives of those affected by AIDS is JESUS.
But what it does do - and does very well - is to raise awareness. I still run into people who don't realize the scope and depth of the AIDS crisis in Africa. Project RED has made "being aware" cool. Yes, it is pretty pathetic that people will buy a $100+ pair of RED tennis shoes just to look "Cool". It's a negative side effect of our culture. But! ANYTHING that raises awareness is a good thing. For many people, that awareness becomes a spark and then it grows into a cause and then it blooms into action. Once people get a real grip on the crisis, they are quite often to do more, say more and be more involved. They can moved from needing those $100 pair of tennis shoes to just giving the $100 to the cause.
The value in the cup of Starbucks coffee or the size of Starbuck's donation to PROJECT RED is not in the now - it's the cost of a seed that is planted in someone to DO SOMETHING.
I run into these people who don't understand the AIDS crisis and they feel helpless to actually DO SOMETHING. My suggestion -
JOIN COMPASSION - SPONSOR A CHILD who is an AIDS affected country.
Luke 30- 35
30 Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, ‘Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.
Pick that child up and bring them to Compassion where they (and their caregivers) will receive AIDS medications, nutrition, education and the gospel of Jesus. READ MORE about what Compassion offers to those affected by AIDS.
Whether all you can offer today is a prayer, a cup of Starbucks coffee or you sponsor a child - shout out for for those who cannot speak for themselves today.
No comments:
Post a Comment