I will never forget that hot summer day when I came home from work to find that my wife and children had decorated the house for Christmas. That night we cranked down the air conditioning and celebrated the joy and blessing of family and the love of our Savior.

As you may know, there are hundreds of children who go to sleep every night in Arizona dreaming of a such a night. Children in the foster care system who are often abused and neglected and they dream about a new chance - a new life full of love, hope, and security.

The other day I asked a friend at the gym what he was doing. He responded, “I am helping people make money to save their cars and homes.” He then asked me and I responded, “I am investing in children’s lives for the Kingdom.”

At Christian Family Care we are investing in the lives of children who want to experience that Christmas joy of celebrating the love of family and the love of a Savior. Because of the generous support of friends like you, Christian Family Care is able to bring the hope and healing of Christ into the lives of children and families.

“The Lord has such a sense of humor: Joseph was completely opposite of what we were looking for. He was older, aggressive, a completely different race, and drug exposed.” - Christy Colgan

Every child is unique, with unique needs and desires, gifts and abilities. God created and placed each one here for a specific purpose and future. Each child comes from a different home-life and different experience that often includes abuse and neglect. At Christian Family Care, our role is to give these children every opportunity to fulfill God’s purpose for their lives. This July you can help us make that happen.

Christmas in July
I know many might ask why Christian Family Care annually celebrates Christmas in July. It might seem to be a simple concept to bring unexpected joy to children at this time of year through friends like you. Or, it might appear as an opportunity to give gifts to children who might not normally experience the generosity of others. Or, it might seem to be another opportunity to celebrate the life and love of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Actually, I think it is all of these reasons! Especially for the children and families we serve, why can’t the spirit of Christmas be experienced every day? Why can’t we give them a gift that brings life and love into their lives all year long … for eternity?

How are you using your spiritual gifts and financial resources to further God’s Kingdom? As I have been studying the scriptures about stewardship and generous giving God has been teaching me that helping people to make money to save their cars and houses is good, but saving a child’s life for eternity is what really matters to God. Would you please take some time right now to pray about how God would have you participate with us in this ministry to children who need to experience the healing love of a family and the promise of God’s redemption.

With your response, our children will know someone loves them with the love of Christ - and loves them enough to pray and to provide for them… all in the name of Christ and the spirit of Christmas! On behalf of the children, thank you for sending your gift today…and turn down the air conditioning and enjoy a Merry Christmas! Blessings.

by, Mark Upton
President/CEO

P.S. You can help fulfill the dream of a child in foster care.
Please remember to pray first and then respond as God leads you.

As we Celebrate Christmas in July,
for as little as $3.78 a day you can help us
cover the cost for one child in foster care.
The state of Arizona pays $10 per day
while the actual cost is $13.78.