This post is part of the 12 Dollars of Christmas series I’m doing, sharing with you about different charities and people who are making a difference in the world and asking you to join me in praying for them and in giving $1 dollar (or more) to each of them.

I first heard about Nuru from my friend Sarah Springer, because she personally knows some of the people involved with this organization.

Nuru is a Kiswahili word that means light and that’s what this organization is doing – bringing light and hope. As an organization Nuru defines themselves as “A grassroots movement of thousands who have grown tired of waiting for someone else to end extreme poverty in Africa.” They are currently launching their Pilot Seed Project in Kuria, Kenya. This project in Kenya is doing a lot to improve the lives of many in Kuria and as I thought about writing about what they are doing it felt like it would be better for you to hear it directly from them, so if you are passionate about ending poverty or have any interest at all in the current state of life in Africa please visit their web site to find out more.

A few of the team members in Kuria have blogs, so you can read about the health classes they taught there and about the clean water project they are working on by going to Jake’s Blog, Nicole’s Blog, or Janine’s Blog. Or you can visit the official Nuru Blog page for even more information.

As part of my $12 dollars of Christmas campaign I also encourage you to join me in praying for NURU today and to join me in sending $1 (or more) to help further the work they are doing in Africa. To find out how to donate visit their donation page on their web site.

Lord, I pray that you would bless the work that Nuru is doing and that you would use it to improve the lives of many in Africa.

Rejoicing in the journey – Bethany Stedman