Thank you for how you have embraced Bags of Hope. Thanksgiving is upon us soon.
Read how Jesse from Winnipeg has challenged her family for the second year in a row in the following email:
Hi To all My Family,
I’m inviting you for our Thanksgiving Celebration. Let’s make it more meaningful.
WHAT IS THE THANKSGIVING CELEBRATION?
Thanksgiving is a day to give thanks to our LORD for everything that He has done for us and all the trials He carried us though during this year.
Let’s not forget the true meaning of “Thanksgiving Day”
REFLECTION:
Over the years, we have gotten caught up in Holiday tradition and have completely forgotten what brought about the holiday celebration to begin with.
From time to time we all need to be reminded of the struggles for survival that we experienced.
But as a Christian let us not forget that there are people all over the world who are facing the same struggle, some people living in a hostile environment; starvation, death by disease, etc.
But, even through the worst of the worst, God is with us… We as an individual person need to reach out to the people today who are facing these struggles and show them that they too have much to give thanks for no matter what situation they are in.
We don’t have much, but let the small things make a wonderful experience. It would not only enlighten our kids about the true meaning of Thanksgiving. It would also remind all of us that this special celebration is more than just preparation of a large family meal.Last year during Thanks Giving Day we gave about 18 Bags of Hope instead of having a fancy dinner at the restaurant.
So I ask all of you to please let’s make this celebrations more meaningful especially to our kids.
Let’s teach our kids to “LEARN TO GIVE NOT BECAUSE WE HAVE MUCH BUT BECAUSE WE KNOW EXACTLY HOW IT FEELS TO HAVE NOTHING”.
A wonderful “HOPE FOR THE ISLAND” ministry project prepare BOXES to ship directly to the Philippines for kids in Siargao Island. Below are all the items we need to put in the bag.
One Bag of Hope is equivalent to one SMILE from kids. Their smile is PRICELESS.
EACH of the BAGS OF HOPE INCLUDE:
- Toothbrush – Toothpaste – Small brush – Comb
- Bar Soap – Facecloth – Balloons – Children’s Card Games
- Pencils – Sharpener – Eraser – Pens – Pencil crayons – Markers
- Small pencil case – Small notebook or activity book
- Scissors – School glue – Small toy – Stickers
- Hair ties/ barrettes
Along with Bags of Hope Jesse had another idea and I received the following email this summer.
Hello Elaine,
Please send my prayers to everybody at the Hope for the Island Community, especially to Kenneth, I’m happy to read his story and I shared it to my siblings. Reading his story reminds me of the Bible verse Jeremiah 31:2-3. God worked in his life in a mysterious way.
I’m planning to throw a Garage sale and 100% of the proceeds will go to the Hope for the Island. I know it’s not much but I think it’s a great thing to encourage someone and spread the word.
My husband and me have so many plans in our mind on how to help your organization and we are praying that God lead us the way. We have 8 little kids in our family (ages 16- 2). At their young age I do really want them to learn the value of giving and helping others. I want them to have a more meaningful summer experience this year. We don’t have much in our life (financially) however, I truly believe that true happiness comes from the effort of making others happy.
We plan to do a garage sale and sell cookies/cakes. My 7 yr. old nephew loves to bake, my 16 yr. old son has a secret barbeque recipe and my nieces can do colorful cookies. We are thinking to sell this only to our close relatives and extended family so we can raise funds.
Hope for the Island Ministry is very dear to my heart. We want to help even in a very small way that we can.
Thank you so much!
Jesse
