James Olinger
We live in
Homestead,
Florida, where a large amount of
migrant workers live in different communities and work in outlying farms and
nurseries. Most are from
Mexico
and
Central America. These communities are
usually linked to different local and national social services to help them
with housing, education, children needs, etc. Each Christmas we have tried to
target a different community. Our foundation has been presenting the Christmas
story and the salvation prayer aimed chiefly at a children’s level. Early in
the year Joy (my wife) had been attending a meeting where different communities
solicit help from organizations for gifts for the children. One community had
not received help in quite some time, so in November we made arrangements to
visit the community and see what we could do. We want to thank Activated
Ministries for donating almost 300 children’s Christmas magazines and 15
multi-language Christmas Treasure Attic DVDs for the event.
This
year we held our Christmas party at the
Harvest
Center
housing community for 110 children. After going to the community several times,
we put together a list of families; breaking down their children’s ages. One of
our faithful donors bought most of the toys, others helped with funds to buy
gift cards for the teens, and others sponsored the snacks for the people. Our
friends at Miami Family Missions provided clowns and staffers for the event.
We
started out the event with our clowns making balloons and painting the
children’s faces. From there, the show
started with the clowns sharing the Christmas story using puppets, carols, and
a large flannel graph. We ended the story with a prayer for salvation for all
the children. Then we played a question and answer game, with DVDs given to the
winners. Afterwards, people lined up for a snack and the Activated magazines
were given to the children. At the end of our visit, we handed out Christmas
gifts to the children’s parents.
It was a
great day for everyone; the children, their parents, and the organizers as
well. We ended the day exhausted but thrilled at how thankful the children were
for the gifts and attention we had given them. It’s always a joy and privilege
to share what we have with those in need, and we’re very grateful to Activated
Ministries for the big part you played in making this day a success.
