This is Why I'm a Conservative

Liberals and Democrats believe in big government. They would ideally like for the government to be the provider of virtually everything--healthcare, retirement funds, babysitting, and emergency relief. Conservatives and Republicans, however, believe that privately owned/run organizations are always more trustworthy, more effective and more accountable, therefore more preferable a means to take care of those in need of the aforementioned things.

Katrina has shown the marked difference between the parties and political ideologies. The liberals are up in arms about the response of the government. The conservatives expected no less and gave their money and support to private charities. Not only were the Salvation Army, The American Red Cross, Samaritan's Purse, and Feed the Children more quick to respond, they've been far more effective in mobilizing help and providing food and shelter all because of one thing: no red tape. Oh, and maybe one more thing: no politicians.

I gave my money to Samaritan's Purse and Feed the Children. I've just received an email from Samaritan's Purse about the progress they've made and what they need to achieve even more. THAT is why I support private, Christian charities. Have you ever gotten an email from the government updating you of the whereabouts of your taxes? I think I'd faint if I had.

I'm pasting the email for all to see. And in case you haven't supported a charity yet, this is a great one. Samaritan's Purse is Billy Graham's charity, and they're truly an amazing organization. Click on the link if you want to see what they've done with my money, so far.

Samaritan’s Purse is responding to Hurricane Rita in Texas while continuing work in Louisiana and Mississippi to help families and communities recover from Hurricane Katrina. One of our Disaster Relief Unit tractor-trailers has been deployed to the Texas coast so crews can make emergency repairs on homes in the vicinity of Port Arthur and Beaumont, where Hurricane Rita came ashore on Saturday. Four units are working along the Gulf Coast in the aftermath of two major hurricanes in less than four weeks. Read more View our storm update video Hurricane Relief Volunteers Samaritan's Purse has mobilized hundreds of volunteers to work with our Disaster Relief Units to help those in greatest need, particularly the poor and elderly. Duties include pumping flooded houses dry and cleaning out mud and ruined materials; removing fallen trees and debris; and repairing damaged roofs and covering them with weatherproof plastic. We are looking for volunteer teams of up to 15 people, minimum age 18, who are willing to serve for three days or more. Samaritan's Purse will be working in the Gulf Coast region for a long time, helping families rebuild and recover, and we need thousands more volunteers to accomplish this. We currently are signing up teams to serve in the months to come. If your team is interested in serving, please read more. Providing Mobile Homes for Katrina Survivors In response to the desperate need to find temporary housing for hurricane survivors, Samaritan’s Purse is providing 100 new mobile homes to a network of 20 churches in Shreveport, Louisiana. Several of these congregations already have evacuee shelters set up in their church gymnasiums, and these homes will enable them to transition displaced families into accommodations with more space and privacy. Read More. Prayer for the Prescription for Hope Workshop this week in Ecuador Prescription for Hope Workshops are designed to teach pastors and community leaders how to talk about the practical issues surrounding HIV/AIDS; how to remain faithful in marriage, how to abstain before marriage, and also to reduce the stigma by teaching correct information on HIV/AIDS to their communities. Sessions based on Biblical principles include: HIV/AIDS facts and risks; marital faithfulness; starting basic home care programs; sermon preparations for pastors; stigma, fear and testing, and more. Each participant commits to reaching his or her own community with awareness and/or care and will go home with a tool kit full of information to fulfill the challenge of presenting the hope of Christ in the midst of this pandemic. Please pray for the Workshop this week in Ecuador: • that the Lord will touch the heart of every participant • for the speakers to have wisdom as they speak; and that every word would be led by the Spirit. • that the Church’s eyes would be opened to see the opportunity we have to show God's compassion to people affected by HIV/AIDS, and to proclaim His message of future hope in Christ. • for those living with HIV/AIDS in Ecuador and abroad; for their health, their families, as well as their finances. For more information on Prescription for Hope, click here. Prescription for Renewal Christian physicians and dentist will join together in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina during a relaxing and renewing weekend of fellowship, testimonies, and Bible teaching tailored for medical professionals interested in the mission field. Prescription for Renewal begins Friday, October 7 and concludes with a worship and communion service on Sunday, October 9. Please pray for those attending as they listen to the Lord’s direction for their lives. Pray for those who will respond to the call to mission work through our World Medical Mission ministry as they go and bring God’s love to people throughout the world in need of medical care. See More. Find the closest location to drop off your shoebox: Operation Christmas Child operates hundreds of collection centers across the country. These centers will be open during the week of November 14-21. Please enter your ZIP code below to find the one closest to you. Volunteer Information We are grateful for the tremendous response last year from people like you who shared the love of Jesus and the joy of Christmas with children around the world by participating in Operation Christmas Child. In 2004, over 7.4 million shoe box gifts were collected worldwide! With you and over 70,000 other dedicated volunteers, we know we can accomplish even more this year. There are several ways you can participate. Read More. Graphic Resources Download Operation Christmas Child graphic resources. Click Here. American Express Supports Relief Effort From August 29 through October 31, American Express will waive all processing fees for donations given to Samaritan's Purse towards Hurricane Katrina Relief using the American Express Card. In response to this generous offer, we would encourage you to use the American Express card when making your donation. Click Here to Give.