Evan Cox, Project Coordinator for Hand of Hope
For the fifth consecutive year, Hand of Hope (HOH) has partnered with Abundant Living Faith Center (ALFC) for a Christmas event in El Paso, Texas called “Christmas Is for Kids.”
Held annually, this event has become a highlight for families who normally wouldn’t be able to afford gifts for their children. The parents and children come to the event, pick out their Christmas presents and experience the love of Christ firsthand.
In 2012, more than 15,000 brand new toys were given away. This year, 18,000 toys were given out—all to families living in the surrounding community.
The morning of the event, the line was wrapped throughout the entire parking lot. We learned that many families, some from across the border, had camped out since the night before just to secure a gift for their child.
More than 400 ALFC volunteers were present to pass out gifts and make every family member feel welcome. Throughout the day, ministry teams shared the gospel to everyone who attended with hundreds accepting Christ.
During the course of the outreach, I encountered multiple volunteers who at one point had been a recipient of this outreach and were now actively involved in the church and volunteering to provide Christmas presents for others.
Seeing the look on every child and parent’s face spoke to the great need and overwhelming gratitude. Thank you for helping Hand of Hope make events like this possible.
Hand of Hope is the missions arm of Joyce Meyer Ministries. Our goal is simply to help as many hurting people as we possibly can, to alleviate human suffering and to help Christians grow in their faith.
