Ministry Report from Recent Christmas Dinner Outreaches
The Philippines
Despite the heavy rain, 100 people gathered to hear the Christmas story and enjoy a delicious Filipino meal. This outreach was in a poor community, far from Davao City, where special celebrations are rare. One adult comments, “I am so blessed that we have this event here . . . far from the city . . . and even with bad weather. Thank you for the delicious food to help us experience the joy in this season. Above all, thank you for the Word of God. Your gift of a hand towel for each child was so needful for us!”
Arad, Romania
“Is this not the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter . . . (Isaiah 58:6-7b)
In Romania our ministry partner led an evangelistic event in a Community Centre run by the local Orthodox Church. 70 people (including homeless families) heard the Gospel and special Christmas music. The children from the Oasis DayCare Centre performed.
The Romanian team also delivered food parcels, along with clothes and toiletries, during the week before Christmas to 20 homeless families. Each family received a hot meal and heard a heart-felt prayer and Christmas carol. The Daycare Centre was open daily for whoever wanted to come in and get food and stay out of the cold. 70 people in the homeless shelter received food parcels.
Bangalore, India
Total number of people was 2,380. This included: 70 children with HIV/AIDS, 450 Tribal people, 600 Devadasi women and families, 800 people with leprosy and their families, 110 blind people and their children, 350 orphanage children, staff, and surrounding villagers.
Rajahmundry, India
Total number of people was 3,405. This included: 215 from children’s home and DayCare Center, 90 from leper community, and 3,100 at the Christmas street outreach.