Shepherd's Heart 12/5/25
Gifts of Impact — Celebrating God’s Love at Work
As we enter the season of Advent, we are reminded that even in the darkest
places, God’s light still breaks through to bring comfort, hope, and restoration.
And more often than not, that light shines through ordinary people who choose
to love in extraordinary ways.
This season, that light has already begun to break through in beautiful ways —
through you. Because of your generosity and kindness…
These aren’t simply projects — they are moments of hope placed directly into the
hands of people who need it most. You’ve already helped shine Christ’s love in
remarkable ways.
And there is one more opportunity still before us.
Cherish Watoto Kenya — A Critical Need
Our partners in Nairobi are facing an especially difficult year. With the cost of
living soaring and many families surviving on just $2 a day, putting food on the
table has become nearly impossible for many.
Yet this is precisely where the Church can make a difference.
We have the chance to help provide essential food items for Cherish Watoto
families, offering stability, nourishment, and hope at a moment when it’s needed
most.
A simple gift from us becomes life-sustaining provision for them.
Every act of generosity — every shared resource, every prayer lifted — brings
light into places where hope feels thin. It tells those who are struggling:
You matter. You are cared for. You are not alone.
This is the heart of the Gospel lived out.
We follow Jesus by moving toward those who are hurting.
We serve because He first served us.
We give because His love compels us to act.
So as we celebrate what God has already done through Gifts of Impact, we invite
you to join in this final expression of care for our Cherish families in Kenya.
May this season deepen our compassion, strengthen our unity, and open doors
for God’s love to be seen in new ways.
Let’s continue to be a people who reflect His hope to the world around us.
Click here to participate in our remaining Gifts of Impact opportunity for
Cherish Watoto.
“Let your light shine before others.” — Matthew 5:16
With joy,
Jeannine Allen
Missional Engagement Executive Minister
As we enter the season of Advent, we are reminded that even in the darkest
places, God’s light still breaks through to bring comfort, hope, and restoration.
And more often than not, that light shines through ordinary people who choose
to love in extraordinary ways.
This season, that light has already begun to break through in beautiful ways —
through you. Because of your generosity and kindness…
- Nearly 300 children will receive Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes gifts that open the door to hearing the good news of Jesus.
- Forty seniors at DuPage Care Center will unwrap presents that remind them they are valued and remembered.
- Fifty children in foster care will experience Christmas filled with warmth and joy through the gifts you are providing. Foster gifts are due December 14 or sooner.
These aren’t simply projects — they are moments of hope placed directly into the
hands of people who need it most. You’ve already helped shine Christ’s love in
remarkable ways.
And there is one more opportunity still before us.
Cherish Watoto Kenya — A Critical Need
Our partners in Nairobi are facing an especially difficult year. With the cost of
living soaring and many families surviving on just $2 a day, putting food on the
table has become nearly impossible for many.
Yet this is precisely where the Church can make a difference.
We have the chance to help provide essential food items for Cherish Watoto
families, offering stability, nourishment, and hope at a moment when it’s needed
most.
A simple gift from us becomes life-sustaining provision for them.
Every act of generosity — every shared resource, every prayer lifted — brings
light into places where hope feels thin. It tells those who are struggling:
You matter. You are cared for. You are not alone.
This is the heart of the Gospel lived out.
We follow Jesus by moving toward those who are hurting.
We serve because He first served us.
We give because His love compels us to act.
So as we celebrate what God has already done through Gifts of Impact, we invite
you to join in this final expression of care for our Cherish families in Kenya.
May this season deepen our compassion, strengthen our unity, and open doors
for God’s love to be seen in new ways.
Let’s continue to be a people who reflect His hope to the world around us.
Click here to participate in our remaining Gifts of Impact opportunity for
Cherish Watoto.
“Let your light shine before others.” — Matthew 5:16
With joy,
Jeannine Allen
Missional Engagement Executive Minister