The Christmas Blessing

The Most Important Gift of All...

Christmas is a time for giving. Children make their wish lists, we search through stores to find the perfect gift for a loved one, and we celebrate the most precious gift ever given- that “God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son...” (John 3:16). Jesus gave Himself freely for our salvation. Now, we have the mission to take that gift to the world. One way that you can be a part of that mission is by giving a sacrificial offering this Christmas season.

 

 

Why is Christmas Giving Important?

Holiday giving typically makes up nearly 20% of our total giving for the year. The gifts you give at Christmas provide the foundation of resources for the entire ministry year. Much of the ministry that we do in our community and around the world could not be accomplished without these generous gifts during the holidays. Please pray about how you can best honor God with your giving this Christmas.

 

Five Projects Inspired by Matthew 25

 In addition to providing the foundation of resources for ministry here Bear Creek, we are raising a challenge to fund 5 special projects inspired by Matthew 25 that will touch lives and share the message of Christ with our community and those in need this Christmas.

 

1. Blankets and Backpacks for the Homeless

 For the homeless in our city, a cold winter night can be more than just uncomfortable; it can be dangerous. Project 1 will allow us to provide over 200 backpacks and blankets to these individuals.

 

2. Direct Relief to Our Community

Project 2 will help us care for those in need right here in our community. The gifts for this project will allows us to provide over 5,000 lbs of food and double our giving for the next six months to our area assistance ministries. These ministries provide a myriad of services to those who are struggling financially in our immediate area.

 

3. Shoes for Children in Mexico City

The homeless children of Mexico City live in some of the most deplorable conditions in the world. In January a mission team from Bear Creek will be traveling to Mexico City to share Christ and minister to these children. Project 3 will fund taking up to 300 pairs of shoes for these children.

 

4. Work-Clothes for Prisoners Transitioning Back into Society

Trying to re-enter the world after being in prison can be a difficult process. The hurdles to a normal life often drive these people back into crime, and back into prison. However, a Bible-based prison ministry is seeing an amazing 96% success rate working with these individuals through discipleship, training, and transition assistance. Project 4 will provide sets of much-needed work clothes and boots to these men through this ministry.

 

5. Assisting with Medical Center Parking for Long-Term Care

For those in our faith family and community who are enduring a long-term illness and treatment at the Medical Center, one of the unexpected costs can be the parking fees for day after day of treatments, exams, and visits. Project 5 will provide assistance to many of these families with pre-paid parking cards to reduce at least one of the worries of caring for their sick family member.

 

 

Can I Just Donate Shoes, Blankets, or Food?

Rather than dividing focus and resources during this time, we are asking our entire faith family to give to one thing during this month. Your gifts can be far more effective than simple donated items. Through leveraging our community relationships, buying in large quantities, and taking advantage of our tax-exempt status we can multiply the investment that you make financially. For instance, the $12 you might spend on ONE inexpensive backpacks can allow us to purchase TWELVE quality backpacks.

 

Also, The Christmas Blessing is about more than just 5 short-term projects. It is also about the everyday ministry that we provide as a church to our community. Every day Bear Creek provides life-changing ministry to our community. We carry the hope and salvation of Jesus Christ to unchurched people. This faith family meet needs that are physical, relational, and spiritual. These gifts have a real impact in providing for this ministry. Without the foundation of resources provided during the holidays, much of the ministry that we provide the entire year would be drastically affected. The local church is the hope of the world, and your giving resources the local church.