Management of COVID-19 has required that we stay at home to create the necessary physical distance and reduce opportunities for infection. This has reduced business activities to bare minimum while many have closed all together. Our economy was already struggling with many job losses not only in SME sector but also among blue chip companies. Low economic activity and the resulting poor cash flow are likely to result in many business failures, making prospects of job losses post COVID-19 real. A large number of households in our country depend on daily wages and this has already resulted to challenges feeding many families.
If you are reading this email you most likely have a regular source of income and in spite of looming hard economic times you probably have food in your pantry and refrigerator to last you a couple of weeks. Beyond praying for those who need help, how can you help in the current uncertain circumstances?
You can give from your assets, investment income, your monthly income or cash reserves. You may choose to share food items as well instead of cash. However, if these two options are not feasible, below are some examples of how you can free some cash to support those who need it.
Savings: You are probably making some savings from your monthly budget in form of transport lunch and entertainment costs.
Tax savings: The government announced tax cuts, which are likely to increase your take home amount.
Bulk Shopping: Buying your shopping in bulk and from wholesalers can result in huge savings.
Where to give?
There are many opportunities to give depending on your circumstances. Below are potential avenues:
- Immediate and extended family members
- Friends, colleagues, neighbours
- Church’s food pantry or any other initiative that they may have
- Small business owners or individuals who normally provide you with goods and services that you are currently not accessing; such as hair-dressers, gardeners, cleaners, mama mboga
- Those in full time ministry who depend on donations for support. Such support may be low at the time.
- Children’s homes, home for the aged and such facilities who depend on generous giving from well-wishers and visitors for support
- Initiatives from organized groups
Have you created a margin to enable you give and what avenues have you used or a considering to use? (Please share your ideas by sending me an email on rose.wakiria@gmail.com)
I have found the following scriptures to be very instructive, providing clarity on giving in times of difficulty.
- Luke 3:11: John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.”
- 2 Corinthians 8: 1-15
Verses 1-4: And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people.
- 1 Kings 17 (whole chapter) Elijah and the widow of Zerephath
Vs 9: “Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and stay there. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food.”
Vs 12: “As surely as the Lord your God lives,” she replied, “I don’t have any bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it—and die.”
Vs 15: She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family.
- Proverbs 19:17: Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.
- Proverbs 11:25: A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.
In the next issue we will look at managing debt in times of crisis.