Little Voices, Growing Faith
Hello Friends,
Christmas is a season to celebrate Jesus, who came into the world and gave His life for us. This December, we are welcoming families from our programs with a hearty meal and sharing the good news of Jesus with them at our annual Christmas Celebration Dinners. Our prayer is that this Christmas, they will receive God’s eternal joy and peace–a gift that lasts far beyond the season.
However, our mission does not end in December. All year long, through after-school programs like Kids in Community (KIC), Education Provided in Community (EPIC), Youth Extreme (YX), and Teens Leading Community (TLC), we provide safe after-school care, academic support, and leadership training. As we build relationships with families, we continue to share the hope of Jesus with them.
During our Christmas dinners, it is always a joy to watch our children praise God on stage before their families—especially knowing how far some of them have come.
When we launched the Don Valley Village site last year, leading our children into worship was challenging–many simply did not like it. But as we taught them more about God and encouraged them to sing, we began to see a genuine desire grow. Now, a year later, the same children who struggled to get through two songs eagerly ask to sing four.
Anna*, in particular, has stood out. Although one of her parents is a Christian, she was raised following the other parent’s faith. Since joining our KIC program, she has been learning about Jesus, and her enthusiasm for worship has been remarkable. One time, she was leading other children in worship and singing, “I have decided to follow Jesus /No turning back /No turning back.” We pray that these words will one day be her story. She may not fully grasp their meaning now, but we pray that the truth she hears and sings will be her anchor through life’s challenges.
*Name changed to protect privacy
Your Gift of Christmas will help children, like Anna, to continue participating in our after-school programs at no cost to their families, where they receive practical support and learn about the eternal hope Jesus has for them. Here is how your gift will help:
$35 - Help one child attend the KIC after-school program for one month
$50 - Send one teen to Youth Extreme and a Leadership program for one month
$100 - Provide one student with one semester of EPIC tutoring
$1000 - Give a Christmas meal and treats for 20 families
This Christmas, join us in sharing the hope of Jesus with children and families impacted by poverty!
Wishing you the happiest Christmas,
Elliott Shin
Executive Director