It’s an interesting concept:  skipping something you normally do and giving the money you would have spent on that activity to someone in need.  That’s exactly what a group of women from Bridgeport United Methodist Church did and the ramifications of that simple act continue to inspire. 

Teachers, principals, government employees and more make up the Yada Yada Book Club, whose members meet monthly to discuss Christian books of every type. 

 

“We look so forward to our monthly meetings. It’s a time to laugh together, eat good food, and learn all about how God’s blessings go far beyond our little group,” said member Charlea Ramsey. 

 

November’s selection, “Love, Skip, Jump” by Shelene Bryan, is what prompted a recent donation. The book is about how Bryan sponsored a child overseas and wanted to make sure that the money she gave actually made it to the child.  After traveling to the remote village, she found countless opportunities for helping the child and the village as a whole.  The experience changed the author and she started an organization called Skip1, encouraging others to skip something simple and donate what would have been spent on that activity and donate to someone in need, whether locally or globally.

 

Skip1.org has helped build schools, feed children and assist homeless people all over the world and continues to have a ripple effect on those it touches. 

 

“The book was so inspiring.  At our November meeting, member Kim Capp suggested that we all skip something and donate to the organization.  We immediately agreed to collect funds and donate to Skip1.org,” said Regina Miller.  “We also discussed many of the needs in our community and how we could continue to give of our time, resources and energy to help locally. The beauty of this concept is that by getting your eyes off of yourself, the opportunities to make a difference are endless.”