Christmas Care

Each year, Christian parents in Burkina Faso have a difficult time as Christmas approaches. They worry about their Christmas food and gifts for their children. This situation is much more stressful for displaced Christians who have fled their homes due to jihadist attacks. 

VOM Australia along with our partner office VOM Poland provided Christmas Care packs to 2,405 Evangelical Christian children in various locations, including Yagma, Tabtenga, Songdin, Ouagadougou, Kongoussi, Kaya, Louda, Korsimoro, Pissila, Zaongo, Hounde, Malou, Ouahigouya, Gourcy, and Dedougou. Gifts were distributed in 22 churches hosting displaced Christians.

Depending on the needs and the children’s ages, two different packs were distributed. The first group received a Bible, a blanket, and food items (rice, pasta, oil). The second group received a Bible storybook for kids, a school backpack, a school notebook, double-line notebooks, an eraser, blue pens, a pencil, and food items (rice, pasta, oil). Additionally, water was purchased and provided to the children and their families during the package distribution in areas with a lack of drinking water.

The project was received with great joy. As the situation worsens, the government’s and other charities’ help almost disappeared, leaving the displaced people alone. Christians prayed to God for help, and when the local team arrived with the packages, people were amazed and deeply moved by God’s intervention.

“You cannot imagine how much this project has affected Evangelical families. When we contacted pastors who were hosting displaced Christians in their churches, they were moved just by receiving our call and hearing that we would come. They were unable to provide sufficient help to these families. The church families want to assist the displaced, but their resources are limited, and the number of displaced people continues to grow. For many, this was the first help they had received. The faith of the displaced families was uplifted, and we glorify God for His mercy.” Local team leader

“My name is Christine; I dream of thanking you properly. Your gift warmed my heart. It came at a time when we were going through difficult moments due to the insecurity in our country. May God repay you a hundredfold for your good deeds so that you may continue helping us. Thank you!” Pack recipient

In Nepal, 120 children received packs containing items purchased and distributed by our front-line workers. The packs included a bag, clothing, a hat, schoolbooks, pens, pencils, a calculator, a toy, soap, toothpaste, a toothbrush and a children’s Bible.

“Thank our heavenly Father and all VOM team who gives us this precious opportunity to help children who are from persecuted families. We are blessed when we see the smiles on the kids’ faces after receiving the gifts. Some of them walked two to three hours to meet us. VOM is doing great ministry for their persecuted family. We are really blessed to be a part of your ministry. It’s a great opportunity for us to expand the Lord’s kingdom in Nepal. If we get more opportunities then we will do more.” Front-line worker

Gifts of a Bible storybook, school bag, water bottle, rice, stationery, biscuits and chocolates were provided to 150 children of persecuted families in four villages.

“These people are poor, some are widows, some of the children have lost one or both parents. Several of them are new believers. The pastors ministering to these families are persecuted by local Hindus and Muslims. The children felt the love of Christ through you.” Front-line worker

Gifts of (primarily) food as well as stationary were provided to 150 impoverished children from Christian communities.

“The holiday season can be a challenging time for many individuals, especially those who may be facing financial difficulties, orphans or other hardships. By providing Christmas gifts, we hope to bring smiles to the faces of children and women, reminding them that they are valued and cared for. The children feel they have brothers and sisters in Australia.” Front-line worker

“My Father has died because of the war but your Christmas gift showed me that I have a father.” pack recipient

Christmas gifts were provided to 968 children in Amman and Azraq, Jordan and 100 children in the West Bank. The gifts included a voucher for clothing and a Christmas storybook on the birth of Jesus.

Wartime circumstances in Gaza prevented the team from delivering Christmas gifts as planned, therefore opted to prioritise hot meal distribution.

“The spiritual impact [was] significant, as the project reminded the beneficiaries that they are not forgotten and that there is hope even in difficult times. Children shared the story of Jesus’ birth with other children, including those from non-Christian backgrounds. The project highlights the importance of bringing joy and hope to people in difficult circumstances. It also demonstrates the power of simple gestures, such as Christmas gifts and hot meals, to make a difference.” Leader in charge of distribution