Sandra Priest
Guest writer
December 2014 – Victor’s eyes closed in exhaustion as he shut out the darkness descending on his village. One more day had passed in hopelessness. No work, no food, no way out. Across the darkness he heard the cries of his hungry child while his wife tried in vain to comfort their tiny baby. The young father’s emotions spiraled into a feeling of total despair.
A member of the lowest caste in India, Victor grew up with no hope of education and few job opportunities –a never-ending cycle of poverty.
Across the globe, a Christian family was just being seated at the dinner table after a busy day at school and work. Before enjoying the delicious meal on the table before them, they joined hands and bowed their heads, praying for the family who would receive a special gift from them during the Christmas season.
Concerned about the materialistic focus of their family during the Christmas season, they felt led to do something different. That’s where Gospel for Asia came in.
A Christian mission organization dedicated to sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ, GFA has trained and sent thousands of national missionaries throughout South Asia for over three decades in order to reach those living in spiritual darkness.
In addition to sharing God’s Word through local ministers, the organization assists those living in desperate poverty in practical ways. Through Gifts from the Stable, GFA shares the love of Christ by giving farm animals to impoverished families.
Chickens, goats and pigs may not be what Americans typically think of as Christmas gifts, but for families struggling to survive, they can be the gift of life.
A pair of chickens can provide a family with nutritious eggs, as well as a source of income. Goats provide calcium-rich milk, sheep provide wool for clothing, and pigs provide piglets to sell for much needed income as well as protein-rich meat.
“These gifts are given through the local church and local pastors as a testimony of Christ’s love,” Taun Cortado, GFA media relations director, told AFA Journal. “We are providing gifts they can use to provide for their families. It’s a way to impact and bless the whole community. Everybody wins.”
Last Christmas Victor received an unusual gift. Because of the generosity of one family, Victor received a water buffalo. Milk provided by the water buffalo helped strengthen Victor’s malnourished baby back to health. Victor was able to begin selling some milk and is now able to earn enough income to provide for his family.
Cortado says of the outreach, “It’s a tangible way for a Western family to do something different this year, to make a difference in the lives of people we may never see this side of heaven.”
Last Christmas Victor received a water buffalo. But the best gift he received was the gift of hope. 
AFA challenges readers to participate with Gospel for Asia in providing unique “critter gifts” for needy families in Asia. Gospel for Asia sends 100% of money donated for Christmas gifts to the mission field. Nothing is taken out for administrative or fundraising expenses.
Gifts from the stable
– One goat $70
– Pair of chickens $11
– Water buffalo $460
– Pair of rabbits $11
– One lamb $65
– Pair of pigs $65
– Barnyard bundle $678
Other gifts
– Jesus well $1,400
– Fishing net $25
– Village water filter $30
– Blanket $12
– Sewing machine $115
– Musical instrument $27
– Bicycle $110
Learn more at afr.net. Click on GFA’s Christmas Critter Campaign banner or call toll free 877-907-GOAT (877-907-4628).
