When Americans of good will look at Iraq and Afghanistan today, the most poignant question heard is: “What can I do?”
Two of the best ways I’ve found to do this is via a couple of non-profit groups; [
www.spiritofamerica.net](
http://www.spiritofamerica.net/) and
www.iraqischools.com
(There are other great organizations which do fine work towards the same ends such as:
http://www.operationiraqichildren.org/ and
http://www.operationican.com which also deserve a look).
**Spirit Of America **works closely with the United States Marines to match money and material to specific needs in Iraq and Afghanistan. Bypassing traditional charities and non-government agencies, the organization uses the Internet to highlight specific needs
For instance, current requests include sewing machines and seed money to set up additional small sewing centers in Iraq, construction tools and training for young Iraqi men, school supply kits, water storage barrels, frisbees and soccer balls for Iraqi children, and shoes, clothes and tools for villagers in remote Afghanistan. See:
www.spiritofamerica.net. These efforts help to “
teach a man to fish”, getting them involved in the rebuilding and modernization of their countries and contributes to better economic conditions for their families.
Iraqi Schools.com. This organization is run by troops in Iraqi see:
www.iraqschools.com. This web site allows people who want to help “win the peace”, donate school supplies to children who are going back to school in Iraq. These troops and the people who donate to via this site know that when we help this younger generation of Muslims to appreciate and value freedom and education, it makes them less likely to espouse violent extremist views. This helps make our troops safer and protects America by “draining the swap” of terrorists. Imagine the gratitude and goodwill these children’s parents must feel when you help their child get an education!
Please check out these sites and see for yourself the good works that they do. Take a look at the pictures of the children’s smiles who receive this support. Most importantly, your concern and actions are visible demonstrations of how you can “
love thine enemy”. Together we can improve the deplorable conditions that breed extremism and violence and create a more peaceful world for our families.
My answer to the question of “What can I do”, is that the more I am able to give, the more I want to help and tell others.
What’s yours?
Please forward this to your friends, coworkers, church groups, etc. so we can make as substantial a difference as possible.
God bless,
Spencer J. Brady
Houston, TX
