DECEMBER 25 NEWS UPDATE

PEACE, JOY AND LOVE TO ALL

Christmas is usually a joyous season wherever it is celebrated, but in many

parts of Africa the focus of the holiday looks wonderfully different from the

gift-heavy traditions we know in the UK. Instead of wrapped presents under

the tree, Christmas is often centred on gratitude—thankfulness for life, for

family, for community, and for God’s protection through another year.

For many families, the most treasured gifts are simple, practical gifts such as

school materials, sandals, or soap. Through CHI these gifts are given as part

of the sponsorship program and are received with the same delight that

children here might show for the latest toy. These gifts carry hope: hope for education, good health, and a brighter future. They meet everyday needs, yet they

arrive wrapped in love and generosity from people they do not know.

Similar to the very first Christmas; God’s gift to the world was not extravagant but humble and ordinary —a newborn child - Jesus. That small, simple gift changed

everything. In celebrating His birth, African communities

remind us that the value of a gift lies not in its price, but

in the love with which it is given and the hope which it

brings.

In a world where Christmas can become overwhelmed

by busyness and consumerism, their example gently

calls us back to the heart of the season: to give thanks,

to cherish what we have, and to remember the precious,

world-changing gift of Jesus.

As you support our work, you help share that same spirit

of hope and love. Thank you for enabling us to provide

gifts that meet practical needs, uplift communities, and

remind families of God’s care. Your generosity continues

to make an amazing difference.

Thank you

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Postage costs - With rising postage costs and our desire to send as much of each of your donations out to Africa to support those who really need them, we are having to rethink the way we send out our receipts for those donations.

If you make a donation in cash, via the post, or via the various banking systems - it would be very helpful if you could let us have your email address so that we can email out our receipts, saving us money. Of course, if a receipt is not required, it would be helpful if you would let us know. If you require a typed receipt or a certificate (for church

groups or schools mainly) then do let us know and we will get one in the post to you.

Usually we do not issue receipts at all for monies under £10 unless expressly requested.

As much as we would love to acknowledge every donation received, the charity has grown and we are unable to efficiently manage this form of administration.

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