A Different Kind of Christmas Gift

So, how many of you (other than myself) have not finished your Christmas shopping yet? Do you have someone that's difficult to buy for? Are you looking for a gift that isn't so frivolous, something that the recipient won't forget about by February? Christmas has become so commercialized that it seems we've almost forgotten why we celebrate at all. I have a proposal for you, if you're longing for something meaningful this holiday season. 

Friends of the Gospel has partnered with The Seed Company for a wonderful Christmas project and I hope you'll take a moment to check it out. Currently in the world, there are about 1,700 languages that the Bible has not been translated into. In America, we can stroll down to Lifeway and choose from KJV, NLT, ESV, whichever version appeals to us, but can you imagine no choice at all? The Seed Company is working vigorously around the world, in some countries under the threat of imprisonment and death, to translate God's word into those remaining languages. It's difficult work, it's dangerous work and it's important work. If I've held your attention so far, take a moment to check out why translation is so important.

Alright, after that, hopefully you're asking yourself "how can I get involved?" Great! Friends of the Gospel and Preaching Christ Church have taken on a translation project for 1 John. We are hoping to translate 1 John into 3 different languages. 1 John has 105 verses and when broken down, the cost for translation is $35 per verse. We'd love to invite you to sponsor a verse this Christmas. As a thank you for your sponsorship, we'll give you an adorable glass ornament.

Imagine this: you gift this ornament to a dear friend or family member. As they pull it out of the gift bag, they say "what a beautiful ornament!" You respond with, "no, actually, you gave the word of God to a group of people that never had it, and it will be passed down for generations to come." Does it get more special or mind-blowing than that? If you're interested in participating, please contact Friends of the Gospel or Preaching Christ Church. 100% of your sponsorship donation goes to The Seed Company to fund this amazing work.

Try something different this year... 

"And this is the promise that He made to us - eternal life." 1 John 2:25