Giving More For Christmas…But Not to Ourselves

This year Christmas is going to be a little different in our house. Scaled back on presents for everyone.

Maybe it was my trip to Africa with Compassion earlier this year. It could be some of the various books that I’ve been reading {including 7: An Experimental Mutiny against Excess by Jen Hatmaker}. Could also be the sermon series that our church has been covering lately on Giving More.

It most definitely is something that God has been putting on my husband’s and my heart more and moreover the last six months.

This year our heart is to give above and beyond what we spend on ourselves as a family. We would love to encourage you all to do the same.

There are a few places that we love and support, in case you need a few ideas of places that will bring hope and healing – worldwide.

Compassion International ministers to children in twenty-six countries around the world ~ meeting their physical, social and emotional, cognitive and spiritual needs. You can support Compassion with a one-time gift by shopping in the Compassion Gifts catalog, but I would highly encourage you to sponsor a child today!

A dear friend of ours has worked with Mercy Ships for years and this is another ministry that we love to support. This organization provides much needed medical care and surgeries to individuals in developing countries. During the month of December, every gift you make to support Mercy Ships will be matched dollar for dollar!!

Gifts like chickens, goats, ducks, school supplies and more abound in the World Vision catalog – and these are gifts that can bring hope to families in other countries by providing nutrition and income. Give a meaningful gift to a family this Christmas.

Operation Christmas Child is a part of Samaritan’s Purse and we have participated in packing a shoebox for a needy child the last several years. This year we invited a bunch of friends and held a shoebox packing party {MUCH fun!}. While it’s too late to pack a shoebox at home, you can build a box online and also check their online gift catalog for additional giving opportunities.

These are just a FEW of the many organizations that are helping others around the world. I’m sure there are many in your own community as well that would welcome your help too!

What organizations and ministries do your family support year round and during the holidays?

Maestro Classics ~ introduce great music and classics stories to children with this classical music series. Don’t miss their newly released Carnival of Animals that you will want to check out!