God poured out many wonderful ministry opportunities during Christmas Project 2015. This year’s event was characterized by generous donors and grateful recipients like no other year. God blessed us with the honor of ministering to 1,234 children through the Stephenson Christmas Store and 163 children through our parent’s store. Praise God for the generous donors who partnered with us to share the Gospel this past Christmas season and the many volunteers who served alongside of us!

This year we had several first time clients come to the Christmas Store who had been hit hard by the economy. They had found themselves struggling and needing help this Christmas for the first time. As they walked into the Stephenson Christmas Store and saw the shelves full of toys they were moved to tears. God gave us opportunities to share with them about His care and love for them and their family.

I received a letter from one of these families a few weeks ago. The note read…

“John,                                                                                                                                                         I know you probably don’t remember me but you helped me get toys for my kids this Christmas. I was the one that kept crying. I just wanted to say thank you for the help this Christmas. My kids would not have had Christmas without them. Every time I see my kids play with these toys I cry because I just can’t believe someone would do this for me and my family. I know you said not to thank you but to thank God but I thank you both. Me, husband, and kids have started going back to church.

Thank you,                                                                                                                                                 Sarah”

Please pray for Sarah and her family as they are not believers. Pray that God will use those toys as constant reminders of His love and provision for this family and the many other families that we had the honor and privilege of ministering to. I received several other thank you notes from parents and children of our clients this year. Many cards with just the words “thank you!” It is great to hear back from our clients.

I cannot express in words my gratitude to all our Christmas Project sponsors. Thank you for partnering with us to share the Gospel message with so many this past Christmas season. I would also like to give thanks to all our partners who came and served during Christmas Projection 2015. The following churches had people serve: Forks of Elkhorn B.C., New Found B.C., Heartland Worship Center, South Orlando B.C., Union B.C., McDowell F.B.C., Big Creek B.C., Fitzpatrick B.C., and Ridge Point Community. I am also grateful for all our prayer partners. Please continue to pray for these families. Pray that the toys and gifts will continue to be visible reminders of God’s great love and provision for each of them. Pray that God will continue to water the seeds that were planted!

(To view pictures of Christmas Project 2015 click on the above photo.)