Okay, I'm biased.  But only like a friend who's excited about something, and wants you to be excited about it, too.  That's it.   So pardon me while I lay out some reasons you should part with, oh, say, $65.

And here's where to do it:  www.helpcurenow.org/brant 

Why you should give to CURE, to help moms and babies in Afghanistan: 

1)  Because you don't have to.  No one is twisting your arm, no one is saying you're a bad person if you don't do it.  That means it's pure joy:  You're wrapping a mom and a newborn in the love of God.

2)  Afghanistan has one of the highest infant mortality rates in the world.  You're helping a baby live, and a mom's dreams to come true.

3)  CURE is a hospital that is driven by a Jesus-centered view of the world, where God is at work, bringing the Kingdom on earth, as it is in heaven.  That means the lame walk, children laugh, and mothers' mourning turns to dancing.  

4)  If there is hope in relations between militant Islam and the west -- and there is! -- it very likely will be the result of the WOMEN of places like Afghanistan.  Previously, it was illegal for them to even get healthcare.  Now -- thank you, U.S. servicemen and women -- places like CURE can operate, and schools are open for girls.  They are getting a window of opportunity from the people they thought were their enemies:  The West.  Christians.

Jesus offers a radically different assessment of the value of women than does the traditional culture of places like Afghanistan.  Do not underestimate the power of this.  Women go from a culture of complete subjugation, to seeing their babies live, their children healed, their futures changed, and at CURE, it's because of Jesus.  There is hope, and this is the very type of thing that fuels it.

5) CURE has the highest possible rating on Charity Navigator:  Four stars.  You are not giving to a large government entity, or a charity of dubious reputation.  You are giving to an operation that has very high standards for using your (and my) money.

6)  I'm doing this, too.  I like the idea that a new mom, and her little one, will be warm because a family of broken Jesus-followers loved her without even knowing her. 

7)   Did I mention you don't HAVE to do this?  No one is abusing scripture to say you HAVE to, and no one is requiring anything.  You can do it because you love God, period, and love others as yourself.  It's just joy.

8)  Something remarkable, with Christmas approaching:  Many scholars think these women, these babies, are the descendants of the Wise Men from the story of Jesus birth.  These men risked their lives to bring gifts to Jesus.  

Now, Jesus' followers return the favor.

How sweet is that? 

9)  This Christmas, while you're gathering with family or friends, it may cross your mind:  Halfway around the world, in a place people routinely call, "God-forsaken", there will be a woman and her newborn, snuggling under a heavy blanket, because you worship the King.

God has NOT forsaken the broken.  In fact, He draws near to them.  You are proving it. 

I hope you do it.  And I hope it does cross your mind, and when you sing "Silent Night", you realize just how much God loves all of us.

And 10)  Did I mention it's pure joy?