Shepherd's Heart 12/6/24
Throughout my childhood, I recall my mother often saying, “You get more joy out of giving than receiving!” as she encouraged a spirit of generosity in me. Over my lifetime, through both personal experience and witness, I understand why this is most certainly true! After all, this spirit of generosity was the example set by Christ Jesus in how he lived daily and taught others to do likewise. This season is no exception as we have partnered with mission organizations to meet the needs around us. Good Shepherd, you responded with joy and generosity, meaning Christmas will be brighter for local foster children who have experienced so much trauma in their young lives. Isolated seniors who live in a state care facility will feel loved and cared for. Single mothers can sigh with relief knowing they have the critical supplies needed for their families. Children worldwide will receive a shoebox of gifts and an invitation to learn about the greatest gift of all – Jesus! We celebrate the number of individuals impacted this season in the mission section of today's Prayer & Action Guide.
And we have one last impact opportunity that we know you will want to be a part of. On the other side of the world, in Nairobi, Kenya are 240 children that we care deeply about at Cherish Watoto. Their school year has ended, and the students are on break until the new school year begins in January. Sadly, for many, this means facing the holiday season without a daily meal, as families in Nairobi struggle to survive on roughly $2.00 a day. My heart broke when the social workers reported that many students would return to school in poor health because of a lack of basic nutrition. So this holiday we are committed to closing this gap! We invite you to help provide life-sustaining meal kits for each student’s family during the holiday break. This impactful gift can make a world of difference, nourishing both bodies and spirits.
It’s easy to help - a $40 donation will fill a meal kit for one student, or $70 will provide a family-size meal kit. You can do this online at gshepchurch.org/Christmas in the giving opportunities section. Or visit the mission table across from the Connect center on Sunday for more details.
Friends, we may not fully realize how God is using each one of these tangible expressions of love to transform individual hearts and communities. I am grateful for whatever small role we can play. As we look forward to what lies ahead, I invite you to join me in prayer for increased opportunities to join God’s Mission in this world by using this prayer card link. Thanks for your partnership and joyful, generous hearts. I’m grateful we get to do this together!
May our great and loving God continue to fill your hearts this Season with His overflowing Love!
Jeannine Allen
Missional Engagement Executive Minister
And we have one last impact opportunity that we know you will want to be a part of. On the other side of the world, in Nairobi, Kenya are 240 children that we care deeply about at Cherish Watoto. Their school year has ended, and the students are on break until the new school year begins in January. Sadly, for many, this means facing the holiday season without a daily meal, as families in Nairobi struggle to survive on roughly $2.00 a day. My heart broke when the social workers reported that many students would return to school in poor health because of a lack of basic nutrition. So this holiday we are committed to closing this gap! We invite you to help provide life-sustaining meal kits for each student’s family during the holiday break. This impactful gift can make a world of difference, nourishing both bodies and spirits.
It’s easy to help - a $40 donation will fill a meal kit for one student, or $70 will provide a family-size meal kit. You can do this online at gshepchurch.org/Christmas in the giving opportunities section. Or visit the mission table across from the Connect center on Sunday for more details.
Friends, we may not fully realize how God is using each one of these tangible expressions of love to transform individual hearts and communities. I am grateful for whatever small role we can play. As we look forward to what lies ahead, I invite you to join me in prayer for increased opportunities to join God’s Mission in this world by using this prayer card link. Thanks for your partnership and joyful, generous hearts. I’m grateful we get to do this together!
May our great and loving God continue to fill your hearts this Season with His overflowing Love!
Jeannine Allen
Missional Engagement Executive Minister
Posted in Shepherds Heart