http://www.survivalblog.com/charity.html

Christian Charity--Now, and Post-TEOTWAWKI

I intentionally emphasize the theme of Christian charity in my writings. I strongly encourage charitable giving both the present day and post-TEOTWAWKI. It is important to keep far more storage food on hand than you expect to consume. If all that you have is the bare minimum to supply your own family or retreat group, you won't be in any position to dispense charity.

Charity is not optional, it is Biblically mandated. I feel this very strongly, for several reasons. First: it is there in The Book, over and over again. There is no denying it. God said it. I believe it. That settles it. Secondly, I came to recognize that God's gift of salvation bestowed upon me, through election, and the profound realization that His gift was unmerited. I didn't deserve salvation any more than some of my neighbors deserve my charity WTSHTF. But God freely gave that gift to me, so I'm going to do my utmost to freely bestow charity on everyone that I can. Lastly, everything that I've earned and saved, I consider providential gifts from God. I intend to share it with those that are less fortunate and those that currently lack the foresight to stock up for potential bad times.

Charity with no strings attached is a powerful witness for God's love and for the gospel of Christ. You don't need to be an eloquent speaker. Just tell them: "Its the Christian thing to do." That speaks volumes. BTW, it won't hurt to hand out a few gospel tracts and Bibles along with the grub.

I strongly encourage charitable giving both the present day and post-TEOTWAWKI. It is important to keep far more storage food on hand than you expect to consume. If all that you have is the bare minimum to supply your own family or retreat group, you won't be in any position to dispense charity.

In particular, I recommend that you stock up on extra wheat, rice, beans, and sprouting seeds. If purchased in food grade 5 gallon buckets they are currently still relatively inexpensive. Just an extra two or three hundred pounds of grains and legumes could save dozens of lives. God's providence is a gift. Share it. I'm sure that there will be a lot of such people wandering about when the balloon goes up. Consider yourself an ambassador for Christ, and act accordingly. Do it for God's glory rather than your own.

If the situation warrants it, give at arm's length. I describe one way to do this in my novel "Patriots". It may sound almost absurd, but you may need to dispense charity by passing it over concertina wire or even while holding the beneficiaries at gunpoint at a safe distance. If times are bad enough, they'll understand your caution.

How much of your stockpile should you set aside for charity? Generally I'd recommend at least a tenth. That is in line with the tradition of tithing, which has its roots in the Old Testament law of Tzedaka.The tzedaka law says that you provide for your immediate family first, then your extended family, and then your local community, and so on.

What if it is a localized natural disaster and you know that the situation is likely to get back to normal with in a few months? Then you can probably afford to be more charitable than just giving a tenth. In essence, you can look at your three year food supply as a one year supply for three families, or as a six month supply for six families.

And what if you find yourself in a total societal collapse, with no end in sight? Pray about it. Then give until it hurts.

Do your best to provide for those that are less fortunate and those that currently lack the foresight to stock up for potential bad times. I'm sure that there will be a lot of such people wandering about when the balloon goes up. Consider yourself an ambassador for Christ, and act accordingly. Do it for God's glory rather than your own. BTW, it won't hurt to hand out a few gospel tracts along with the grub. Do so with the accompanying words: "Its the Christian thing to do." That might sink in with a few of those folks. 'Nuff said.