But wait! Where are all the toys and video games? For impoverished people in South Asia, Christmas isn't about getting the latest high-tech gadget to add to their collection. Instead, they long to receive things that will help them improve their quality of life, like cows, goats, sewing machines and fishing nets.
Here are a few ways you can pray for Gospel for Asia-supported missionaries, who are preparing to give out Christmas gifts this season, and for those receiving gifts.
Pray for people to discover Christ through the gifts
Many of the people who receive these Christmas gifts don't know Christ as their Savior. Some have never heard of Him before while others think He is a foreign God. But after receiving these gifts, they realize just how much He loves them and wants to care for them. To Him, their lives matter.
Pray for each individual who will receive gifts, that they will open their hearts to Christ's love.
Pray the gifts will impact lives and communities
With every gift that goes out, the hope is that it will impact lives and communities for the better—and especially bring people to the feet of our loving Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. These Christmas gifts radically change people's living circumstances and give them hope for the future. Missionaries are also blessed with gifts to equip them in their ministry; gifts like more Gospel literature or a bicycle so they can reach more villages in one day instead of having to walk long distances just to reach one.
Pray entire communities will see God's gracious and loving hands of provision through these gifts and that they will give their lives to serve Him.
Pray for pastors to know who is in most need
Deciding who receives what gift is the local pastor's responsibility.
Much discernment is needed to discover which individual or family is in most need and could benefit from a gift during their time of struggle. The gifts typically go to the poorest of the poor who have no way of providing income for themselves or their family. But these gifts help improve their way of life, giving them a chance to earn enough money to put food on the table.
Pray God grants these pastors shepherding His flocks in South Asia wisdom and discernment to know who should receive gifts and what gift will most benefit them.
Pray for the Christmas programmes going on throughout the month
Throughout the month of December, GFA-supported churches are putting on Christmas programs and special events to proclaim the birth of the Saviour. Though these programs may only be in December, Christmas gifts are distributed all year long. God's provisions never run out!
Pray these opportunities to present the Good News will be well received and will give believers much favour in their communities.
Pray for more Christmas gifts!
The more people who give, the more people who receive—and the more chances there are to bring the Good News of great joy to all people! Each gift, from a pair of rabbits to helping construct a church building, makes a difference.
Pray more people will donate and spread the word to their friends and family about how they can create a new Christmas tradition by providing for those who are truly in need.
