As Christmas approaches, people are looking for ways to be involved in
meaningful gift-giving. Surprised by Hope believes that there’s much more to
Christmas than shallow commercialism. As I reflect on my Christmas gift-giving
over the years, I recall two specific Christmas' that highlight the long-held
depth of my belief.
Way back before any
of my siblings married, my sister and I argued about Christmas gift giving. To
illustrate my point – probably with a less gracious spirit than it might seem –
I gave my sister a news article about a lady whose house burned down and whose
child died. I shared with my sister that I'd brought this lady some household
goods to help her get started again…all in the name of my sister. Today, that
sister is one of the most generous people I know.
Later, when my own
children were young, I wanted them to value the generosity of Christmas rather
than covet the giant pile of gifts I did as a child. Throughout the year we did
service projects. One year we cleaned up a Grand Rapids park after a particularly
severe windstorm. I'd bet what they remember is not getting many gifts that
year, they were children after all, but I can see their generous spirits
twinkling at me occasionally.
Surprised by Hope believes that Christmas is a celebration of generosity,
love, and risk-taking obedience. This year's Christmas newsletter is a
multi-faceted campaign that provides you with a variety of opportunities to be
involved in God’s mission during the Christmas season. It’s sort of like our
Christmas list. We want to provide you with opportunities that re-connect you
with the true message of Christmas about a God of love who sent his Son into
the world to save us from our sin.
.
There are six great ways you can fill our Christmas stocking
this year and we hope you find one that tickles your gift giving spirit.
100 Christmas Dollies
2014
Thirty little brown dollies donning their winks and smirks
are crossing the ocean on their way to sights unseen (the inside of Posta
Uganda). Added to what we already have, we'll joyfully launch our 100 Christmas
Dollies campaign. Click here
to peruse the dollies and listen for the one who whispers your name. Then send
$25 for each dolly you love and we'll be sure that your dolly gets into the
hands of a new little mommy (or daddy) on Christmas day.
Click here
to choose your favorite dollies to sponsor.
Click here to find out which church will receive this Christmas gift using the funds donated from your dolly sponsorships.
Click here to find out which church will receive this Christmas gift using the funds donated from your dolly sponsorships.
Count Your Blessings
 |
| This is a savings box without a piggy tummy plug. |
Last year Surprised by Hope received a gift because one
family "counted their blessings." We received a blessing because they
added one cent for every pair of shoes
and boots they had in their house. We received a blessing because they added 25
cents for every item of clothing they wore that belonged to them and only them.
We received a blessing because for the month of December and the days leading
to Epiphany, this family counted their
blessings. Many American's fully realize how blessed they are, but the Count
Your Blessings giving activity is a great daily reminder for families to give
thanks and to give blessings.
If you Count your Blessings as a family this holiday season,
Surprised by Hope will deliver your blessings to an East African family in
need. Click here
to start counting your blessings on December 1.
Shop AmazonSmile on Cyber
Monday and Beyond
AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you
to support Surprised by Hope every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you
shop at smile.amazon.com, you’ll find the exact same low
prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with
the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to
Surprised by Hope.
Click here to set Surprised by Hope as your
favorite charity and start your Christmas shopping early.
Jacaranda Creations
Make the Perfect Gift
These beautiful Jacaranda products are handcrafted with quality
by women in the Nairobi slums. Each product you purchase provides an income for
local women who use that income to feed, clothe, and educate their children.
Surprised by Hope works alongside Jacaranda in a variety of ways and
we strongly believe in their mission, that's why we continue making their
products available to you.
This holiday season, consider
purchasing Jacaranda Creations products as gifts for the people you love. The
gift goes beyond the product itself, but also toward helping a lady out of
poverty. There are several ways you can support Surprised by Hope and Jacaranda
Creations at the same time:
- Visit the
showroom (okay, the living room of the lady who manages product events).
- Offer the
products for purchase at your company Christmas party or at your family
gathering. This one is so easy, all you have to do is ask!
- Gather friends for ladies night and offer some early Christmas shopping along with a cup of cocoa.
The products sell themselves, they're
gorgeous, trendy, and crafted with care. Click here
to arrange your most convenient way to shop.
eBay Giving Works
When sellers list their items for charity, they choose how much of
the final selling price they would like to donate and which organization to
benefit…and they receive a credit on their seller fees. Sellers listing items
through eBay Giving Works benefit because
their items are easier to find and get extra exposure by being listed on eBay,
the eBay Giving Works site, and on the MissionFish site.. MissionFish also
provides a simple process to remit funds to the appropriate charity and a
receipt for tax purposes.
Buyers can more easily find items supporting a cause, be assured the donation will reach the intended and pre-verified organization, and be satisfied in knowing they have made a difference. Click here to begin selling for Surprised by Hope.
Buyers can more easily find items supporting a cause, be assured the donation will reach the intended and pre-verified organization, and be satisfied in knowing they have made a difference. Click here to begin selling for Surprised by Hope.
Financial
Management for Pastors and Church Leaders
Surprised by Hope is preparing a Financial Management
conference for pastors and church leaders on coastal Kenya. During the second
week of December, we'll welcome pastors from near and far to learn how and why
to:
- Prioritize tithing, saving, and giving
- Track income and expenses (accountability)
- Analyze financial statements to make business decisions
- Budget for church growth and church events
Please take a
look at the blog
post for more details and prayerfully consider giving so that pastors have
the materials they need to fully engage in the training, so that their stomachs
are full as they process things like…math…, and so that traveling pastors have
a place to lay their heads at night. Will you join us?
Click here
to give using your credit card or PayPal.
Or, send your check to:
Surprised
by Hope
464 Adaway
SE
Ada, MI
49301
Thank you!
We know this is a long
Christmas list, and we're excited to see what the Lord will do as we work
together to accomplish all that he's put before us. But please know that we
don't take your generosity lightly. We are serious about loving Jesus and we
know you are too.