Hope Spot 51 – (Your) joy to the world!

 I wish I could say I baked these Pinwheels, and made this card, for you.

It would be the perfect way to wish you a Happy Christmas …

… and thank you for the love you’ve shown to people in need through ALWS.

But I didn’t make them.

(Even if I did make the Pinwheels, I probably would have eaten them all myself!)

The Pinwheels were part of a Christmas effort by the children of Woodside Lutheran Church in SA.

They were inspired by the story of Nathan and his bunnies in this year’s ALWS Gifts of Grace, and wanted to help children like him. Kathy from the Children’s Ministry team at Woodside told me families made a variety of goodies to sell at a stall during morning tea after church, while the children made the gift tags.

“It was wonderful to see the children being involved
in helping those less fortunate than themselves.”

Thanks to the generosity of the congregation, the children were able to raise $345!

That’s a lot of bunnies 😊

What’s amazing this year is that despite the challenges of cost of living, poor harvests, ongoing war in Ukraine and Middle East …

… the ALWS family has come together for the BEST EVER Gifts of Grace!

It’s been 15 years since we started Gifts of Grace, and I’ve always prayed that people like you could use it as a simple, fun, gentle way to share your values …

… while giving practical help to people in danger of being forgotten by the world.

This year, at a time when the world seems to need love and hope more than ever, it is such a joy to see up-close the kindness and compassion and grace of people like you.

Meanwhile, the people you help through ALWS experience joy too.

My colleague, Sophie Gebreyes, who leads the team you support in Ethiopia (and who visited Australia in August), shared with me last week:

“Each day I witness the resilience
of the individuals.
Their laughter and their hope
serve as a poignant reminder
that joy can flourish
even in the most challenging
of circumstances.”

That is your joy to the world. It’s why you are a blessing not just at Christmas … but ALWayS! Thank you!

PS: While I can’t make you yummy Pinwheels for Christmas, I can share with you the Christmas greeting Sophie sent from Ethiopia. I echo her every word: