Christmas Basket Project Ecuador 2008

[Miguel]

Being on full-time Missions in the heart of the Ecuadorian Cloud Forest has helped us redefine what is important. This past Christmas, over 30 families received a basket of much needed items. Many here hope the holidays pass quickly because they are reminded of what they don't have. Delivering these baskets and ministering to poor families needs has been a blessing for us. Pray that those who have been touched would continue to seek God in 2009 and that we would have the opportunity to follow up with each one. Mission work doesn't have to be complicated. As someone just recently wrote, " LIVE SIMPLY SO OTHERS MAY SIMPLY LIVE"

[Aida]

Claudia & Miguel. I finally had a chance to watch this video and I'm glad I did. It was beautiful and knowing you just made it seem more special. It really touched me when I saw that one of the recipients was named Aida.

Thanks for sharing this with us.

Aida

[Claudia]

Yes, Rick and Nik. Thank you both! I had mentioned randomly before that I have been a participant on a secular grief site for a couple of years now. The basket project started as a conversation between I and a couple of others over how sad we get at the holidays and doing something worthwhile. I shared my heart in wanting to treat very poor folks here to something special and full of love on Christmas, and as I shared more others became interested in joining the cause. I had ten baskets donated within 48 hours from moms who had lost children. Then it crossed over into a ministry outreach project. From there we gained over 20 more sponsors--each basket being a $50 sponsorship. It truly was amazing watching this unfold and how God blessed those who received baskets, those who gave for the baskets, and especially those moms with broken hearts that felt some special kind of blessing for having done something wonderful for a very poor family in memory of their child. But I don't think anyone was more blessed than I, to have been the one whose hads and heart went into every purchase, every item packed into the basket, and every home visit we made throughout those two days. God is SO GOOD!!! ALL THE TIME!!!!!!!!!! Love & Blessings! ~Claudia

P.s. We want to do this again next year. SO anyone wanting to coma alongside for financial support next Christmas or even to come and help us with the project hands-on. We'll be here!! :)

[Rick Knock]

Claudia & Miguel,
That was truly beautiful! As I was watching I found myself wishing I'd been there with you, gathering, packing, wrapping, delivering, visiting... But the most touching part for me was the tributes at the end. Thanks for putting this together & sharing it. :)
God Bless!
Rick

[Nik P.]

YES!!!!! Praise God!! Awesome!!