Last week I Tweeted about the charity/ministry of WithThisRing.org, an organization that raises funds for Living Water International by collecting wedding rings and other jewelry and precious items. The concept intrigued me, but I must admit–I’m not sure I could ever do this. I’m not sure my wife would ever allow me to do this. But still, I wanted to know more… so I went to the source. The following is a short interview with Ali Eastburn, the founder and director of With This Ring.
Okay, Ali, your idea is intriguing–were you listening to one of those “WE BUY GOLD” commercials when you came up with the idea for With This Ring? And if not, where did the idea come from?
Actually, I was at a woman’s retreat and someone asked the question, “How can we change the world around us?” People responded to that challenge by offering tokens of charity. Then I blurted out, “What if we sold our car and valuable items and used the money to make a difference?” Then I looked down at the big diamond on my finger and suddenly realized that I had enough wealth in that one ring to save thousands of lives. Seven months later, after struggling with being obedient, I finally sold the ring which launched With This Ring.
How’s this idea being accepted? I mean, are people willing to give you their wedding rings?
Yes, much more than I would have expected. Surprisingly, the majority of the people who give their wedding rings are married. And they don’t stop there. Usually our champions start with giving their ring and end up offering other radical gifts including other jewelry, their time, their talents and their hearts.
Tell us about the auction that With This Ring is doing right now.
When a person makes a radical gift like a ring, they are giving an offering of love that is very significant in their life. At that point we offer up their gift as an opportunity for someone else to be blessed through buying that ring. We run auctions every other month. This auction is focused on Grand Gestures that people make on Valentine’s Day. We are challenging people to make their auction purchase about radical giving by purchasing a ring for someone they love and paying what they would consider to be a “grand gesture” rather than paying the minimum amount.
Lastly, what does the money you’re raising go to help?
Normally we focus our efforts on encouraging people in radical giving and drilling wells in Ghana, Africa with Living Water International. But because of the great tragedy in Haiti, we wanted to respond with our grand gesture of caring for those in great need. So we are dedicating all the proceeds from this auction to rebuild wells in Haiti. For those reading this before the evening of February 9, you have the opportunity to make a grand gesture by purchasing one of the beautiful rings off our auction site – www.withthisring.cmarket.com
For anyone who would like to get involved in the cause of radical giving and drilling wells to benefit people around the world, you can visit With This Ring online at www.withthisring.org and join us as we make grand gestures in obedience to Christ.
For obvious reasons, I’m reminded of this story from the Gospel of Mark, chapter 10, verses 17-25
17 As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good–except God alone. 19 You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.’ “ 20 “Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.” 21 Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 22 At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth. 23 Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!” 24 The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
But still, give away my wedding ring?! I’m still not sure. How about you?
(all of the funds raised from this auction go to support Haiti)
One last thought: I can’t help but wonder how much clean water Carrie Underwood’s engagement ring could provide. Even in pictures, her ring gives new meaning to “treasures on earth.”
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