Christians are called not only to meet the spiritual need of the world, but also the physical needs faced by individuals. The Bible is filled with commands to care for widows, orphans, the poor, and the sick. However, in an age when TV, radio, and the internet bring the world's needs right to our door, it can be overwhelming to decide what need to meet, much less how to meet it. The problem is compounded by the constant debate in both public and private forums as to who is responsible to meet these needs. Should individuals, charities, faith-based groups, or the government play the primary role in feeding, clothing, and healing the needy? The vast amount of need and the debate that comes with it provides an easy excuse for Christians to not get involved. In light of that, this is the first in a series of posts on real everyday needs and practical ways they can be met.

Giving The Gift of Life

• Every two minutes, someone in the United States needs to receive blood.¹
• Nearly 5 million people each year receive blood transfusions.²
• At least 25% of people will need to receive blood at least once in their lifetime.³
• Only 5% of eligible blood donors actually donate blood.⁴
• A single unit of blood can save up to 3 lives.⁵

Blood transfusions are an important part of medicine. They are used to help accident victims, burn victims, and those surviving natural disasters. They are used to save and stabilize babies who are born prematurely. And they are also used to treat a number of diseases, including cancer, hemophilia, and sickle-cell anemia. Even various surgeries and organ transplants require blood to be replaced from an outside source. Because of the importance of blood in medical procedures, it is just as important for people to donate blood. There is no substitute for human blood. Science cannot manufacture it, and no animal blood can be used. The only way for doctors, hospitals and other healthcare providers to acquire the blood necessary to save lives is through voluntary donations by healthy people.

There are very few ways of helping people that provide as big an impact for so little effort. Blood donations only take about an hour and have no negative health side effects. In fact, for most health people, there is no reason not to donate blood. The American Red Cross has even provided a list of 10 common excuses and why they are not excuses. The Red Cross also has information on where and how to donate, as well as testimonies of people whose lives have been saved through blood transfusions.

Amid all the debate currently going on in the public forum about healthcare, there is still an easy, practical way for individuals to help those suffering. Donating blood can and does save lives everyday. And it seems fitting for those claiming to share the gift of eternal life to also share the gift of physical life where possible.

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<sup>1. American Red Cross
2. American Red Cross
3. The Mayo Clinic
4. American Red Cross
5. American Red Cross</sup>