Forgotten Christmas’ campaign promotes giving with eternal value

‘Forgotten Christmas’ campaign promotes giving with eternal value

The gift of a goat, bicycle, or even a blanket can make all the difference for people across the globe

Gospel for Asia (http://www.gfa.org) News Release – For Immediate Release

WILLS POINT, TX (ANS – October 13, 2016) -- Gospel for Asia is launching its “Forgotten Christmas” campaign this year to encourage and show Christians how to make an eternal difference with their gifts. By donating to help people across the world, they can change lives while sharing the love of Jesus in a practical way.

Gospel for Asia itself hopes to supply thousands of gifts through this year’s “Forgotten Christmas” initiative to help free people from the cycle of poverty. “Jesus told us that when we give to ‘one of the least of these,’ we’re actually giving to Him,” said Gospel for Asia’s founder and director, Dr. K.P. Yohannan. “By caring for those in need, we’re fulfilling Christ’s command.”

Americans spend about $600 million on Christmas gifts each year. Yet many of those gifts don’t address real needs, and they’re often later returned, put aside or discarded. GFA’s “Forgotten Christmas” opens the door for meaningful giving that meets people’s needs.

“We often spend so much on Christmas gifts that won’t matter a year from now,” said Yohannan. “With ‘Forgotten Christmas’ we have an opportunity to reach out to those who really need help and demonstrate the true reason we celebrate Christmas. Jesus loved us so much that He gave His very life for us. This year, we have the opportunity to follow in His footsteps by sharing His love with those in need. These precious people will never forget that someone took time to care for them, and it is all done in the name of Jesus. It’s a gift that will never wear out.”

The most basic items can be life-changing for people who don’t have them. Gifts to “Forgotten Christmas” can help provide a goat, pig, or cow that will sustain an entire family. They can help buy a sewing machine that will enable someone to make a living. They can provide a bicycle that will allow someone to get to and from work. Or, a simple blanket to keep someone warm at night.

Dr. Yohannan encourages pastors to share this opportunity with their congregations. “When the Body of Christ pitches in together, we can have a truly amazing impact,” Yohannan said.

Many of the ministries that “Forgotten Christmas” supports are described in Gospel for Asia’s Christmas Gift Catalog, available at http://www.gfa.org/gift/.

There is also more information at http://www.gfa.org/info/FC, and an informative video at http://forgottenchristmas.org.

Those ready to participate will find a resource kit at http://www.gfa.org/info/FC-kit.

Note: Gospel for Asia has -- for more than 30 years -- provided humanitarian assistance and spiritual hope to millions across Asia, especially among those who have yet to hear the Good News. Last year, this included more than 75,000 sponsored children, free medical services for more than 180,000 people, 6,000 wells drilled, 11,000 water filters installed, Christmas presents for more than 400,000 needy families, and spiritual teaching available in 110 languages in 14 nations through radio ministry.

To schedule an interview with a Gospel for Asia representative, please contact pressrelations@gfa.org.

Photo caption: 1) The gift of a bicycle made such a difference in this girl’s life. 2) Gospel for Asia's Christmas Gift Catalogue.

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