What a year! Together we’ve experienced so much, like Keith Jaspers’ retirement, an award from USAID, the serving of our 25 millionth meal, a severe economic downturn, and more.

The way that so many of you have stepped up and sacrificed to maintain or expand your giving to keep our programming strong has been remarkable. Perhaps never before has the phrase “our shared ministry” meant so much.

Thank you.

But we’re not done yet! With a few days left in 2009 we have some ground to cover. Last week Rainbow Network partner Dean Hollis issued a challenge and we need your help to make certain we meet our goal of raising $5,000 before the end of the year. When we do, Dean will match your gift dollar for dollar.

Won’t you help with a gift of whatever amount you can spare?

Dec. 31 is the very last day to get a 2009 tax deduction for your gift to Rainbow Network.

Right now is a great time to donate!

How about a cataract surgery? You can perform one of Christ’s miracles and give sight to the blind by making a gift to our special medical program. Cataracts are rampant in Nicaragua because of the intense sun, poor childhood nutrition, and lack of quality eye protection. But, you can make a real difference and change a life by making a gift today.

Or consider giving where most needed. For over 15 years, Rainbow’s community development model has helped 50,000 people to gain proper nutrition, educate their children, build safe and clean homes, receive medical care, and start family businesses – all thanks to our donors’ generosity!

2009 has been a year of challenge; end in it with an act of hope. Give a struggling family the resources they need. Give them food, shelter, education, and opportunity. Give them a real chance to lift themselves from poverty.

Yours will be an unforgettable gift.

Donate to Rainbow Network before the deadline at 12:00am PST on December 31^st!

Thank you for everything you’ve done and for all that we will do together.

In Christian Partnership,

 Ryan Owen

Ozarks Literacy Council Supports Rainbow Network

by Ryan Owen

I was honored when the folks over at the Ozarks Literacy Council called and invited me to come and share some of what Rainbow Network is doing with some of the young children their program supports. The gifts of literacy and education are a big part of what we do in Nicaragua and I was thrilled to have a chance to contribute to the efforts of one of the finest organizations working to ensure these gifts in the Springfield community.

Today, I and the rest of the Rainbow Network team are again honored by the folks at OLC. As part of their program, children have collected pennies all year long. As the end of the semester approaches the students voted as to which charity they would like to support and the children chose Rainbow Network!

Thank you to every child and family that helped to gather the coins and to the children of Springfield for choosing Rainbow Network as your way to give to those in need!