Dear Friend,

On Wednesday night, Five Talents welcomed author Tish Harrison Warren for an inspiring conversation about her new book, What Grows in Weary Lands. Nearly 300 attendees heard her insights, drawn from the wisdom of the early Christian Desert Fathers and Mothers, on how to develop resilience when we find ourselves languishing in our faith journeys.

Tish read a wonderful passage about the importance of community in helping us grow in resilience. Quoting from her book, “If hope is to grow in us, it will be sown and nourished together, in community with other people. Particularly when we are tired, we cannot take up hope on our own. We need, as the book of Galatians points out, others who will bear our burdens with us.”

Today, I’m sharing with the entire Five Talents family the same invitation event attendees received — to join together in being that community where resilience and hope are made possible for the poorest and most marginalized.

Poverty is a weary burden that impacts economic, personal, and spiritual well-being. Few grapple with its challenges more than our program participants in South Sudan, who face violent conflict, displacement, drought, famine, and now the threat of Ebola virus. But with your help, Savings Groups operating through the local church are enabling women and men to experience joyful resilience.

I am thrilled to announce that two generous donors have offered challenge gifts to encourage an outpouring of support for our programs in South Sudan. Your gift today will have double the impact until we reach our goal of $75,000 — but hurry, because this opportunity is only available until June 30!

Thank you for your prayerful consideration. Your partnership will help individuals and families create sustainable pathways out of extreme poverty.

With gratitude,