This Faith and Finance podcast is underwritten in part by Cross International. Millions around the world are stuck in generational poverty. From the young child suffering from preventable disease, to the hardworking single mom unable to provide enough food for her kids, to the empty seat in a classroom representing a lost opportunity for a child, the results are tragic. Hopelessness abounds. There are no simple solutions, but the body of Christ is working together to break this cycle.
Faith Phi is joining with Cross International and you this month to lift 250 kids in Malawi, Uganda, and Zambia out of poverty and introduce them to the love of Jesus. Cross International partners with local, in-country ministries to open doors for children by transforming communities, equipping them with vital physical resources, and spiritual support anchored in Jesus Christ. Give hope to a child today at faithfi.com/slash cross. That's faithfi.com/slash. And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.
Matthew 10, 42. Hi, I'm Rob West. Clean water changes far more than health. It restores dignity, opens doors for education and work, and points to the living water himself. Aaron Griggs joins us today to talk about how clean water is transforming communities in Africa.
And then it's onto your calls at 800-525-7000. This is Faith in Finance, biblical wisdom for your financial decisions. With us today is Aaron Griggs of Cross International, an organization doing remarkable, Christ-centered humanitarian and development work around the world. They're also a trusted ministry partner of ours. Erin, it is great to have you here.
Hey, thanks for having me, Rob. You know, folks, each quarter we partner with a single ministry to shine a light on incredible work being done to love our neighbors in the name of Jesus. And this quarter, that organization is Cross International. We are so excited about our partnership. And, Aaron, I want you to start today by helping us grasp the scale of the clean water crisis and what it means for their daily life in places like Zambia, Malawi, and Uganda.
Yeah, Rob, sadly it's a huge crisis. In many communities around the world today, access to clean water simply doesn't exist.
So, to give listeners a little perspective, globally, 2.2 billion people don't have clean drinking water. Today, in 2026, it's about one in four people. around the world lacking access to safe water. We see especially severe impact in parts of sub Saharan Africa. And so people in those areas, they're relying on open water sources way outside of their villages.
These are often dug pits that are shared with wild animals. The water is contaminated and it leads to frequent sickness. And then, to make matters worse, in Zambia and Malawi specifically. Where Cross International works in extremely poor and remote villages, recent historic droughts have made already fragile water systems even more unreliable. Wow.
I think a lot of our listeners, like me, are just struck by the magnitude of this crisis that is entirely preventable. Erin, how does not having access to clean water affect the day-to-day realities of women and children, especially when it's something we rarely even think about here? Yes, it's something that's easy to take for granted. I have a big water bottle sitting right beside me and don't often think about how much water I consume and use in a given day. But one of the big areas that it affects for women and children in particular is time.
So women and girls are the ones who are typically tasked with gathering water.
So they walk long distances multiple times every day to collect the water. And all that time that they spend gathering water means that the girls miss out on school, so they're unable to get an education. And as for the women, they have little time to do anything else other than very basic chores. And so The women and girls carry heavy buckets of water. It's very physically demanding.
If you can picture balancing these buckets of water on their heads, walking over long distances. And there's always risks along the path as well, such as the danger of falling with no medical care nearby. There's wild animals. And then ultimately, this keeps families trapped in the cycle of poverty.
So, so much time is spent just on basic survival, and then there's really no opportunities to create a better future. And then you add to that that many in these villages have never heard the gospel of Jesus Christ, and so they're also completely hopeless from an eternal perspective.
So I'd love for you to share then with our listeners how Cross International is working to address this need on the ground. Yeah, Rob, it really begins with partnership. And that's kind of core to our ministry model at Cross.
So Cross International is like a bridge.
So FaithFile listeners and others here in the U.S. who feel called by God to help those in need around the world partner with us through financial and prayer support in order to make the work possible. And then on the ground, Cross International partners with trusted local Christian ministries as they understand and live in their communities.
So we work strategically alongside them to both meet urgent needs and also find sustainable long-term solutions. And Cross International just recently celebrated our 25th anniversary. And so we've been able to witness long-term change. And many of our in-country partnerships are longstanding. Yeah, well, we are so excited to partner with you, folks.
We've set a goal with Cross International this quarter to serve 250 children across Malawi, Uganda, and Zambia with clean water, food, education, and the hope of the gospel. Every $62 given supports one child in those areas for a year. Just go to faith5.com/slash cross. Back with Aaron Griggs and some stories from the ground right after this. Stay with us.
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Purchase your copy today or place a bulk order at faithfy.com slash shop. Poverty's roots run deep in African villages, affecting one generation to the next. It doesn't have to be this way. FaithFi is partnering with Cross International and you to combat generational poverty. Together, our goal is to provide vital resources for 250 vulnerable children while pointing them to the unshakable hope rooted in Jesus Christ.
Visit faithphi.com slash cross to change a child's life today. That's faithfi.com slash cross. Um Yeah. Great to have you with us today on Faith and Finance. With me today, my friend Aaron Griggs from Cross International.
Faith Phi and Cross International are teaming up this quarter to serve 250 children across Malawi, Uganda, and Zambia. Every gift of $62 provides one child with clean water, food, education, and the hope of the gospel. You can join us in helping us reach this goal of 250 children served when you go to faithphy.com/slash cross. That's faithfi.com/slash cross.
Now, Aaron, you've been really zeroing into the need that exists, which is massive for clean water. And I want to dig a little bit deeper into that and hear from you on the long-term change that occurs once clean water becomes available. Yeah, so after we install wells within a community, which makes clean water easily accessible right there in the heart of the community, we use various measurements that will track improvements in health, some of which happen very quickly and then others more over the long term. But the physical health really only tells part of the story. When there's water that's nearby and safe, Families then regain hours each day that were once lost.
As we were discussing time earlier and the value of time.
So, children then become healthier and are able to attend school. And not only are they staying healthy and not out of school because they're sick, but their parents can actually afford to send them because instead of the women having to spend so much time being out gathering water, women and girls. The women are able to participate in finding work, and whether it's farming or small businesses, they can do meaningful work that brings in extra income to support the families. And then, also, through our local ministry partners, kids and families are taught about Jesus and discipled.
So, we're reaching their heart in addition to helping physically. And one of my favorite things we do is upon completion of a new well in a community, We will distribute Bibles in the local language. And so it gives almost all of those community members, it's their first time ever having a copy of God's Word in their own language.
So they're getting both clean water and spiritual nourishment. And so, all of this starting with something as basic as clean water. Yeah, that is powerful.
Now, you've actually brought some field audio for us to hear, but before we hear from one woman directly, you've also brought the sound of singing that captures daily life in these communities. Why was it so important to include that?
Well, yeah, you'll hear the joy in their voices as these women are singing. And what they're doing is they're sewing clothing as part of a small business in eastern Zambia. And they take time to pray together as well while they're there, doing their work and a new livelihood for them. And so you say, Well, Aaron, what does that have to do with clean water?
Well, this is the context in which clean water and opportunity are changing lives.
So, before the Waterwell brought clean water to their community through Cross International, these women Had to spend all their time, so much time gathering water that they weren't able to have time for any other type of work. But now they've been empowered to participate in this sewing project. They're sewing clothes and other items that they're able to sell out in the marketplace to provide for their kids and for their families. Incredible.
Well, that really sets up this story well. We're now going to hear from Dorica, who's part of a sewing project in Zambia. She's sharing her thanks through an interpreter. I'm so thankful, so grateful, that I don't even know how to express myself. We're here so I can express my appreciation.
I never knew that I would be where I am now, and all I'm asking is God to bless you for the great work you have done in my life. And in my family now, my family life has improved so much. Wow. Aaron, when you hear Dorica express that kind of gratitude, how does it remind you why this work matters?
Well, Dorica is a woman whose life has been transformed, and her kids' lives have been transformed. Her husband is a farmer and had really struggled to provide for their three kids, especially during the dry seasons and the droughts. But because of the opportunity now for Dorica to earn income through the sewing business, her kids are now much healthier. They are able to be in school, to get an education. And so it's opened not only doors for Dorica and her husband's future, but doors for their kids' future, opportunities that they've never been able to enjoy.
And so Cross really aims to impact not just individuals, but the entire family through our work. Yeah.
Well, and as you mentioned, it's not just about clean water, but it's about the living water. And you talked about the Bibles that are provided. But what does it look like at Cross International as you meet these physical needs to also have faith be at the center of your approach? Yes, Christ really is at the center of all we do at Cross International, and that's why we partner in country only with Christian ministries, those that share our values. And so we do it all for the glory of God.
So as it relates to providing clean water specifically, In the simplest terms, water represents life. And if I could share a story of another woman in Zambia, Eastern Zambia, named Grace. She's a single mom in her thirties, and her family didn't have access to clean water. They suffered from many of the same issues that we've been discussing.
Now Grace is a follower of Jesus. She's a regular church goer. But the church building a while ago where she attended actually collapsed, and so for years the congregation had to meet for worship under a tree. And this was especially difficult in harsh weather conditions, being out in the elements, and actually unsafe for children to the point where they were left home during worship services. And so the church members dreamed for many years of a new building, but the available open water sources didn't provide enough water for the construction and brick molding.
So after Cross International went in and installed a well. It not only provided safe drinking water for that whole community, but it enabled Grace and others to construct a brand new church building. and Grace told us this. She said With reliable access to water, my home is healthier, my time is my own, and my voice is heard. My children now join me in worship, and and the community is united in purpose.
The well didn't just quench thirst. It reignited hope, restored dignity, and empowered me to become a beacon of transformation. Mm. And Grace's favorite verse she shared with us is John 7, 38. In which Jesus says, Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, Rivers of living water will flow from within them.
So we know that Jesus is the living water, the giver of life. Eternal life is found only in Him. And so as we provide water, we always point people to the Living Water. Wow. Praise God.
Well, here at Faith and Finance, our goal is to help you live as a faithful steward. And we know a byproduct of that is you have resources freed up to then give to meet needs in the name of Jesus. And that's why we're partnering with Cross International this quarter.
So, Aaron, share with our listeners the goal we've set together and we're trusting God for. Yeah, Rob, our goal is to serve two hundred fifty children across Zambia, Malawi and Uganda, and we thank those who have already helped us make progress in starting to get there. And a gift of $62 will help provide a child with clean water and other crucial resources. And they'll also learn about Jesus: that He loves them and has a plan for their life. You can help 10 kids with $620.
But any amount helps, and every gift moves not just kids but entire families towards stability and lasting hope. And you can do it at faithfy.com/slash cross. Incredible, folks. Clean water changes everything. It restores health, opens doors to education, strengthens families, and reflects the life-giving love of Christ.
Would you partner with us? Help us meet this goal of reaching 250 children with these essential life resources and the gospel of Jesus at faithfy.com/slash cross. Aaron, thanks for being here. Thanks for having me, Rob. Again, that website, faithfy.com/slash cross.
Your calls are next: 800-525-7000. We'll be right back. Imagine having biblical financial wisdom delivered to your inbox every week, helping you integrate your faith and financial decisions for the glory of God. At faithphy.com, you can join a community of over 70,000 people who are already receiving our weekly wisdom email, filled with articles, videos, podcasts, and exclusive offers on resources that will deepen your understanding of biblical stewardship. Start your journey today by creating your FaithFi account at faithphy.com.
Just click sign up. We are grateful for support from Timothy Plan. Since 1994, Timothy Plan has shared good news with investors and advisors by offering faith-honoring mutual funds and exchange-traded funds. More information is at TimothyPlan.com. The investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses are contained in the prospectus and summary prospectus available at TimothyPlan.com.
Mutual funds distributed by Timothy Partners Limited and ETF's distributed. By Forside Funds Services LLC. Investing involves risks, including possible loss of principal. This is Faith and Finance, biblical wisdom for your financial decisions. I'm Rob West.
Looks like we have one line open today: 800-525-7000. You can call right now. We're going to head to Georgia. Gaynor, thanks for calling. Go ahead.
Yes, sir. Appreciate you taking the call. Sure. How are you today? Doing great.
Thanks for calling. All right. Had a simple question about, I think they're different names, but the Trump Bucks that. might be available for newborns. Yes.
And just trying to see what the eligible dates are and if there's pros or cons. Yeah, great. You know, it's something that a lot of folks are trying to figure out, and they have been building out the website, which really is the go-to place for all the details. And it's come a long way. And it was kind of a placeholder site.
It is more robust now with all of the details.
So if you just simply go to trumpaccounts.gov, that's trumpaccounts. You can get all of the information on how these are going to work, what you need to do to essentially get it set up. But I'll just kind of run over a few of the details for you here.
So, in terms of eligibility, this is for children who are U.S. citizens. With a valid social security number born between January 1st, 2025 and December 31st, 2025. Mm-hmm. And so, to establish the account, the parent or legal guardian can open it on behalf of the child.
It's typically done by filing a specific form. 45, 47, you might understand why. 45 and 47 in terms of Trump being the president. And that's the name of the form or the number. And that you will take the Trump account election.
You'll do that with your tax return when you file. And then essentially, that creates the account. If the child is born during that period, January 1st, 2025, and December 31st, 2028, then the federal government will deposit a one-time amount of $1,000 into the child's Trump account.
Now, that $1,000 doesn't count toward their regular contribution limit.
So, family members and parents and others can contribute up to five thousand dollars per year. Employers can do $2,500 a year for an employee's child, and this can be pre-tax through a cafeteria plan or similar. The contributions are after tax. They're not deductible, so it's not like an IRA. But the investment growth is tax deferred until you take it out.
And so, you know, this is a great option.
Now, if the child was born before January 1st, 2025, they can still have a Trump account created for them. They just won't get that $1,000 federal seed contribution. But you may have heard that in some recent philanthropic efforts, notably from the Dell Foundation, Michael Dell, and then Ray Dalio jumped on board. They're hoping a lot of others will. Children born before this January 1st, 2025 may receive some additional seed money, but there's going to be income-related rules there to qualify.
But, nevertheless, this is a really great option to get kids accounts where they've got funds in there and they're invested and there's tax benefits and hopefully kind of get them moving in the right direction with regard to some savings that'll be really important for them, you know, in the future. And they'll be able to use that for a host of things, you know, including a first home, starting a business, education, job training, those types of things. Is that helpful though, Gaynor? Yes, sir, very much so. All right.
Thank you. But again, you're welcome. That website again is trumpaccounts.gov. You can also sign up for an email alert because there's a lot of new information coming out, and that will ensure that you are always up to date on everything you need to know with regard to these accounts. Thanks for asking about it.
We're going to be talking about it quite a bit more throughout the year. Let's go to Nashville. Michael, go ahead. Yes, sir. Thanks for taking my call.
Of course. I have a question. I just turned sixty five last month. And I started this But I'm still employed. And I started to fill out the Medicare form and then Somebody Told me that I didn't need because I still have healthcare, I don't need to fill out Part B.
So I I hadn't completed the the form.
So I but I got to that point and didn't and didn't fill it out. But then recently somebody told me that because I'm still employed, I don't even need to fill out Part A. And of course I wanted to double check because I don't want to be penalized. Yeah, yeah.
So here's the key question, Michael. Do you have an employer plan from a company with 20 or more employees? Yeah.
Okay, great.
So, if you do, then you want to go ahead and sign up for Part A, the hospital insurance, now, and it's going to be free. And what you want to delay is Part B and Part D, which is the doctor and medical and the prescription drug. Because there's no penalty as long as you have employer coverage with 20 or more employees, and that's continuing.
Okay, now when you retire or lose coverage, then you'll get a special eight-month enrollment period to sign up for Part B.
Okay, and you get sixty three days from that period where you retire or lose coverage to enroll in Part D with no penalties. But the simple rule of thumb is: if you're working and you've got a large employer plan, 20 or more, take part A, delay B and D. And then you can get those down the road, okay?
Okay. Great. All right. Thanks for your call. We appreciate you being on the program, sir.
Lord bless you. Let's quickly go to Idaho, and we'll finish today with Clarence. Go right ahead. Yeah, hi, this is Clarence. How you doing?
Doing great, thank you. I got a question. Um, I when I was stationed down in uh Fort Polk and Fort Hood, And I bought ho houses We had an insurance that uh Recovery, if something would happen to me, that the house would be paid for. And I can't find those insurance anymore. Ah, yeah.
Yeah, you know, if you can't find the paperwork for these policies, you can check out something called naic.org. That stands for National Association of Insurance Commissioners. And they have a policy search feature. That could reveal who the insurers are for these policies so you could contact them directly. It's kind of a central repository or database.
So again, you'd go to the internet, go to naic.org, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, and use their policy search tool, okay?
Okay, I appreciate that. Thank you. All right, Clarence. Hey, God bless you. And thank you for your service to our country, sir.
We appreciate it.
So thankful for your calls, for you listening, being a part of the program. Thanks also for your great emails and encouragement that come through the mail as well. Let me say thanks to my team today. I certainly couldn't do this without them: Taylor Standrich, Devin Patrick, and Robert Youngblood, plus the incredible team behind those gentlemen here at Faith By. Amazing that I get to work with them every day.
Hope you have a great day. May the Lord bless you and come back and join us tomorrow. We'll see you then. Bye-bye. Faith in Finance is provided by FaithBy and listeners like you.
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