The Big Give Recap
Wrap Up of The Big Give 2023: Tis the Season to Give Big!
The Spirit was moving from October 1st to November 26th during The Big Give 2023, as our church participated in three areas of giving. From local initiatives to global outreach, these efforts showed the true reason of the season. To share the gift of Jesus with others that may not know Him.
Giving Tree: Cultivating Local Impact
The Giving Tree in the lobby showed how to make a local impact. Covered with 283 tags representing the needs of our local ministry and mission partners, the response of needs might have seemed a bit overwhelming. A total of 185 tags were fulfilled, amounting to a generous $2,225 in gift cards. The Giving Tree is a testament to making a tangible difference in the lives of those in our own backyard; supporting Arizona Reservation Ministries on the San Carlos Reservation, Compassion Youth Mentoring right here in San Tan Valley, Hope Women’s Center: Coolidge, Samaritan’s Purse Disaster Relief Missions, Vineyard Pregnancy Center in Queen Creek, and Youth Haven children camp in Eloy.
Christmas in Belize Fundraiser: Step into a Child’s World
The 6th annual Christmas in Belize Fundraiser led by Pastor Kenneth Welch in Belize, raised a remarkable $3,079. These funds will support 130 children in the remote village of Gales Point Manatee, providing them with gifts, meals, treats, ice cream, and a cherished Bible lesson about the story of Jesus’s birth at the villages annual Christmas Services and Celebration. The contributions from The Big Give will continue to create lasting memories and build upon a foundation for these children during the holiday season, to carry with them throughout the year.
Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child: Love Knows No Bounds
Our church served as a collection site for Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child. The generosity continued to overflow, with 468 donation-filled shoeboxes collected, including an incredible 283 from our own church and packing party event. Becky Haas, Leader of the OCC committee shared a touching moment with a 6-year-old donor, whose selfless act added an extra layer of warmth to the efforts. Becky stated “Our VERY LAST shoebox was from a little girl who was about 6 years old. After praying over the boxes and telling her the story about how some shoeboxes (and Jesus) get to children by camel, elephant, or boat because the areas are so remote, her eyes got so big and we watched her take her tattered personal stuffed animal and to her mother’s surprise said “I know where Mr. Monkey is going to go… he is going to go in my box that I made for another little girl because she will love him so much and he will make her so happy”. She did not plan to do that when she dropped off her shoebox but had so much joy and gave so happily. Her spontaneous act of joyous giving demonstrated the true Spirit of The Big Give—spreading the love of Jesus beyond borders. Becky mentioned, Mr. Monkey might just be on his way to Tanzania to a child in need.
Each year The Big Give leaves such a beautiful mark on my heart. We are called to give joyfully to the Lord and to others. To carry each other’s burdens, and to care for those that cannot care for themselves. Through the Giving Tree, the Christmas in Belize Fundraiser, and Operation Christmas Child, we have proven that, indeed, ’tis the season to give big, and to give BIG all year long.
Angela Noel
Missions Director