This year our Home Group (Bible Study group) decided we wanted to spend Christmas Day reaching out to those in need in the community, instead of the usual traditional family dinner. We joined with many other volunteers at Gallatin C.A.R.E.S. to serve Christmas dinner to needy or destitute folk in the neighborhood who would otherwise not have had a Christmas.
As people came in, we sat and shared a meal with them, and they were also invited to choose a generous supply of gifts to take home. We packed up dozens of delicious meals and then had the fun of delivering them plus gifts to families in the area. Sharing Christmas in this way was really spreading God's love in a very practical way, on this, the birthday celebration of Jesus Christ.
Jane Murray, Director of Gallatin C.A.R.E.S.
Gallatin C.A.R.E.S. (Christian Association for Relief of Economic Suffering) is a non-profit charitable organization that offers short term emergency relief to those in economic crisis or need in the Gallatin and Sumner County area. There are many opportunities for individuals or groups to get involved and give time or resources reaching out to people who really need a hand up, or simply encouragement and genuine caring from a loving heart. (http://www.gallatincares.org/).Two of my friends (Mandy & Sarah) visiting from Australia drove down from Cincinnatti to be here for this. Marysol & DeWet, home from their YWAM base in South Africa for Christmas, also came along with their parents, Sam & AG, to participate. It was a true Christmas in every sense of the word.
It was so wonderful to share this Christmas day with you Dayle.. we met so many special people on that day .. people from Gallatin CARES, your many wonderful friends and people from the local community that were truly in need of love and care. It was an honor to be part of such a special community event. love and hugs Mandy and Sarah
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