Season of Giving 2022
By: Hayley Andrews
Season of Giving is a yearly initiative during which we, the Grace family, work together to give above and beyond our normal tithes to bless those God has placed in our sphere of influence. The 2022 theme was derived from Jesus’ last words before He ascended: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). What a remarkable calling we get to be a part of! We named this year’s campaign “Ends of the Earth” as a reminder of how we are called to reach not only our local neighbors but those around the world.
Let’s break down the three locations Jesus sent His followers: Jerusalem (their hometown), Judea & Samaria (the neighboring regions/nations), and the ends of the earth (every tribe, tongue, and people group). We want to follow that biblical model and reach people in our city and state, neighboring countries, and around the world. Because of your gifts and support, we were able to bless families right here in Arlington, all the way to families on the opposite side of the globe in places like Kyrgyzstan. It’s a blessing to be able to help such a wide range of people and we are thankful to you for helping us spread the good news of Jesus this Christmas season.
There are many people right here in Arlington, our “Jerusalem,” whom we are able to bless. This year, Grace members “adopted” and bought Christmas gifts for 17 children in the Parc West Angel Tree program. What a practical way to show Christ’s love to our neighbors! We also collected $3000 worth of gift cards to bless Grace families, as well as AAWC and ESL families. Thank you for helping us make Christmas just a little bit better for our friends and neighbors.
Our “Judea & Samaria” location this year was Acuña, Mexico. We collected hundreds of toys and shoes to bring to the children living there. A team of about 12 drove down the week before Christmas with Pastor José to deliver the first batch of gifts, and Pastor José drove down again for King’s Day in early January to deliver the surplus! The children were so blessed by your faithful giving and generosity and we look forward to doing it again next year!
Finally, our third priority this year was the “Ends of the Earth” regions. We raised $3000 towards overseas projects in Myanmar, Tanzania, Turkey, Kyrgyzstan, Israel, and the Philippines. Because of these generous gifts, many families were able to enjoy a meal and open gifts together. We provided meals for over 700 people in Myanmar, where Pastor T serves, and in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Source of Compassion hosted a Christmas Eve celebration which included many unbelieving families, including Afghan refugees. What an amazing way to celebrate the birth of Jesus! Even in countries where the gospel is seemingly unwelcome, the Lord is able to use us to spread the Light of the world in hard-to-reach places.
As we wrap up this Christmas season of giving, we want to thank you, Grace family, for your generosity and prayers as we listen to and obey Jesus’ words in Acts. Would you continue to pray that the domino effect of these gifts would be that many families come to know Christ? Paul wrote to the believers in Corinth: “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously…. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:6, 8). May God multiply your gifts and bless you all richly in this new year, and may we all abound in every good work.
