Each of the items in this category is truly a gift of compassion. Some gifts generate income for years to come, while others meet immediate practical needs and could save lives. In addition, recipients have a chance to experience the redemptive love of Jesus—the best gift they could ever receive.
Most families in the impoverished areas in which GFA serves have little or no insulation or heating in their homes. Those who sleep on the streets are even more exposed to the cold. Blankets provide comfort and protection and serve as tangible expressions of Christ’s love.
“This is one of my most favorite things to do this time of the year! I can hardly wait to get to heaven to hear the stories of how clean water saved lives or a pair of chickens sustained a family or how a blanket kept someone warm for the winter.” —Denise, a donor from Iowa
Jesus Wells provide fresh water year-round, protecting communities from waterborne illnesses and sparing women and children from spending hours fetching water. Obtaining clean water is also vital for practicing safe hygiene and for supporting healthy immune systems, both of which prevent the spread of diseases.
Pastors serving near Jesus Wells are able to share about the Living Water mentioned on the well’s plaque. Providing safe water—either by drilling a new well or maintaining existing wells—is a practical way to show communities how much God and His children care for all people!
“I believe that God will do a miracle, that through this Jesus Well many people will come and glorify His name.” —Jaevin, a GFA pastor whose community received a Jesus Well
Many impoverished women lack education and this limits their job opportunities. If a woman has lost her husband, or if he doesn’t earn enough, she may be powerless to provide for herself and her children. A sewing machine can allow her to start a productive business and meet her family’s needs.
“I am from a long line of avid seamstresses. … I am soooo happy to be able to give the gift of a sewing machine. ... THANKS for making this opportunity possible and training the recipient of this machine. May God bless and prosper the recipient.” —Carolyn from Delaware
Many people in the areas we serve do not have clean water and as a result battle waterborne illnesses—or even succumb to death. Made with simple materials, BioSand water filters remove 98 percent of biological impurities, providing safe water for drinking and cooking for a family and often for neighbors too! The clean water will improve health and hygiene and will give peace of mind—all of which are expressions of Christ’s care.
“Now, no more struggle! Having a BioSand water filter was beyond our imagination.” —Erina, mother of three from Asia
More than a billion people worldwide have no choice but to go to the bathroom out in the open, which poses many risks, especially for women and girls who venture into open fields under the cover of darkness. Private outdoor toilets spare families from disease found at communal waste grounds and protects the dignity of men and women.
“I used to feel so much shame to use the bathroom outside, but … a toilet [was built] in my village, and I don't have any more shame.”—An 11-year-old boy
Roofs made of thatch are a common sight across Asia and Africa, but they don’t offer good protection from annual monsoon rains, which means families must spend precious resources repairing or replacing their possessions. These lightweight, sturdy tin roofs give needy families a safe, dry place to call home.
“We could see God’s love and God’s grace and mercy in our life through this Christmas gift. Because of this Christmas gift, my trust and faith in the Lord now is deeper.” —Abria, whose husband received tin sheets to fix their badly leaking roof
Malaria is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquito nets save lives and offer a restful night’s sleep, free from the sting of disease-laden mosquitoes.
“We are five members in our home. We have one net, which is not enough for all of us, and also we sleep on the mud floor. The whole night I have to shoo off mosquitoes with clothes to save my little children from mosquito bites. But I am extremely happy to receive a mosquito net today.” —Kalani, a mother whose family is now protected from mosquitoes at night
Your gift toward medical ministry can help provide free medical care and health education for people who are suffering and dying from treatable ailments. GFA missionaries organize medical camps in impoverished villages and invite teams of nurses, doctors and other health care professionals to provide free medical care. One medical camp may serve 200 to 1,000 people.
Through medical ministry, families that lack access to medication or have never been taught basic hygiene can receive life-saving treatment and health education, all in the name of the Great Physician: Jesus Christ.
In many areas we serve, widows are an invisible part of society. They are commonly ignored, rejected and even cursed in some regions, believed to be the cause of their husbands’ deaths. Their own upbringing often leads them to believe those same things about themselves. Even women who have been abandoned by their husbands face the same sudden crisis as that of widows.
Also, millions of children must fend for themselves either as orphans, runaways or sons and daughters abandoned by their parents. Alone and unprotected, widows and abandoned children face immense practical and emotional hardships. But the Body of Christ can offer support and hope. When you give to help Widows and Abandoned Children, you can provide things like food, shelter, income-generating gifts, dignity and God’s compassion to women and children in need.
“And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’ ” —Matthew 25:40
Giving your gift in honour of a friend or loved one? Use these cards to let them know you gave a life-changing gift in their honour!
Print at home
Learn more
If you’re giving a gift in honour of a friend or loved one, bless them with a GFA Christmas card. After checkout, you may personalise a card for each item and print out on your printer. Then you can hand deliver or send them to your loved ones.
Click the image below to view a larger size.
We value your donation and are committed to good stewardship of the funds entrusted to us by our friends and donors. All gift options represent GFA’s actual ministry efforts to meet the diverse needs of individuals and communities. Regardless of particular designations, monies are raised for ministry purposes, and GFA retains discretion to use donated funds in any manner that serves GFA’s charitable objectives.
If you would like to sponsor, donate or make a store purchase, please visit our US office page.