Christmas Celebrations at the Child Centers: Bringing Joy to Little Hearts

The holiday season is a magical time, especially for the children at our centers in Colombia and Rwanda. Thanks to your generosity and support, we've organized special Christmas celebrations filled with laughter, love, and the spirit of giving. From festive decorations to heartwarming activities, we aim to create lasting memories for these precious young souls. 

As we reflect on another year marked by the profound love of God. From the beginning to the end, His love has been a constant companion, providing strength and imparting lessons of His greatness. Our partners take pride in witnessing the continual progress and development of each child and dedicated team. The meaningful exchange of glances, smiles, and hugs serves as our daily sustenance, and we find joy in welcoming them each day.

We achieved a significant milestone by bringing the joy of Christmas to the Nueva Colombia community in Cartago for the first time. Through collective efforts, we raised funds to provide gifts and snacks for 80 children, adding a touch of festive delight to their lives. The celebration of the "Novena," a cherished Colombian tradition, became a unifying event that brought the community together. 

Families gathered to sing songs, fostering a sense of communal joy and creating a meaningful space to celebrate the birth of Jesus. This initiative brightened the children's holiday season and strengthened the bonds within the Nueva Colombia community, leaving a lasting positive impact.

We had two closure celebrations this year.

The initial closure spanned a week, during which we conducted individual class closings. Each teacher, in a thoughtful and intentional manner, organized special activities based on the ages and interests of the children. This period fostered a sense of intentionality and closeness, emphasizing play and camaraderie and, above all, the sharing of the message of Jesus to become an integral part of their lives.

Subsequently, we held a comprehensive closing event, where the children diligently prepared for a presentation. This experience resonated positively within the community, as it showcased the children contributing to a work of art, conveying the message that Jesus has the power to unite families. The performance underscored that what might seem insurmountable to us can be overcome through His strength. It addressed contemporary family challenges and encouraged a reliance on Jesus.

The production involved every child showcasing their talents in acting, dancing, or singing. It was a collaborative effort that celebrated their unique abilities. A special mention is due to the children who, this year, delved into learning breakdancing, circus acts, and aerial dance in fabrics. These artistic pursuits served as a means of integration and brought the children even closer to the fabric of their lives

As we approach the end of the holiday season, we extend warm wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May God's blessings continue to abound, and I express gratitude because we are making a meaningful impact on many lives in the name of Jesus Christ, our King and the God in whom we delight and trust.

In Rwanda, the Child Hope Centers and our partners at Africa Hope Initiatives celebrated Christmas with extended worship services and activities for the children.

The children were treated to a unique and festive dinner, creating a joyous atmosphere that marked a special celebration of Jesus' birth. As part of the festivities, the children engaged in heartwarming songs that resonated with the spirit of Christmas, fostering a sense of unity and shared joy. These musical expressions served as a poignant way for the children to collectively celebrate the significance of Jesus's birth.

Additionally, the children actively participated in various Christmas activities, creating lasting memories that commemorated the year's conclusion. These activities not only brought a sense of fun and excitement but also provided a meaningful way for the children to reflect on the events and experiences of the past year. The activities were carefully curated to capture the essence of the season, promoting a sense of togetherness and gratitude among the children.

In this festive environment, the children also found meaningful ways to express their joy and appreciation for the holiday season. These celebratory moments contributed to a sense of closure for the year, leaving the children with cherished memories and a profound appreciation for the significance of Christmas.

The church in Rwanda embraced the joyous spirit of Christmas through extended worship services, creating a vibrant and celebratory atmosphere. The festivities commenced on Sunday, the 24th, with a service that initiated at 9 am and continued until noon. After a brief rest, the congregation reconvened around 3 pm for an afternoon session filled with the harmonious melodies of various choirs. The diversity of the choruses added a rich tapestry to the worship experience, with each group contributing their unique style.

The celebration continued well into the night, extending until 1 am. Multiple preachers took the stage, delivering inspiring messages and sharing the joyous news of Christmas. The unity of different congregations was evident as churches extended invitations to one another, fostering a sense of community and shared celebration.

Witnessing the exuberant singing and dancing characteristic of Rwandan church services, one can only imagine the immense joy that permeated the gatherings. The vibrant expressions of worship and praise undoubtedly resonated with a profound sense of spiritual connection.