blind photo

Photo by DanWagner1

Back in February, after learning the story about Jesus healing the blind man (Mark 8:22-25), the kids decided to take a Noisy Offering collection to raise money to support two organizations that work to correct or prevent blindness around the world. Thanks to an enthusiastic response from all of you, the Noisy Offering on February 15 raised $202.59!

CBM (Christian Blind Mission) is an international Christian development organization working to improve quality of life for persons with disabilities in the world’s poorest countries. Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in the world and for people already on the edge of survival, they are economically devastating. For just $35 and in only 15 minutes, cataract surgery restores a person’s sight and quality of life. Thanks to your gift, three adults will have their lives changed for the better!

Among its many programs, the Carter Center has been working to eliminate river blindness, one of the leading causes of preventable blindness worldwide. Spread by the bites of small black flies, river blindness (onchocerciasis) is a parasitic infection that causes itching, rashes and eye disease. Working with ministries of health in eight developing countries, the Carter Center encourages public education and the regular distribution of the medicine Mectizan®, which kills the parasitic larvae, preventing both infection and transmission. Having eliminated river blindness in Colombia and Ecuador, their sights are now set on Brazil, Guatemala, Mexico, Venezuela, Ethiopia, Nigeria, the Republic of Sudan and Uganda. Your donation helps make that goal possible!

Small moves like sharing pocket change can make a huge difference for others around the world. What a joy to be part of that!

Read more about these organizations and the work you are helping them do at www.cbmus.org or www.cartercenter.org.