By: Rosella Abenio
In a world grappling with the reverberations of tumultuous times, Evangel Family Church in Cagayan de Oro illuminated the quintessential spirit of Christmas—a celebration of hope, rejuvenation, and the enduring love of God. Through its annual Christmas Joy Giving Project, the church proffered material assistance to families in need while imparting a profound testament to God’s unwavering love and transformative grace.
From December 19 to 20, 2024, the church disseminated 120 meticulously prepared Christmas food packs to families residing in various communities, including Nazareth, Bolozori, Indahag, Consolacion, Pagatpat, Canitoan, Lumbia, Agora, Bugo, and Molugan. Each food pack was imbued with essentials designed to address immediate exigencies, yet their import transcended mere sustenance. These offerings epitomized tangible manifestations of God’s love and providential care, delivered through the altruistic hands and empathetic hearts of the church congregation.
For the beneficiaries, these food packs signified more than ephemeral gifts. They embodied a beacon of hope and a poignant reminder of God’s immutable presence amidst the vicissitudes of life. One mother, profoundly touched by the magnanimity extended to her family, expressed, “This gift reminds us that God never forgets us, even when times are hard. We feel His presence through this act of love.”
The Christmas Joy Giving Project transcended the fulfillment of corporeal necessities. It promulgated the gospel’s core message—the unparalleled gift of salvation through Christ. Each family departed not merely with provisions but also with rejuvenated hope, fortified faith, and the assurance that God’s transformative love possesses the potency to revolutionize lives.
The culmination of this initiative transpired on the concluding day of giving, December 29, 2025, in Molugan, El Salvador. Pastors Andrew and Rowena Kwong graced the occasion, imparting heartfelt exhortations and disseminating the euphoria of the season. Their presence infused fortitude and inspiration into the families they encountered, underscoring that the quintessence of Christmas resides not in material endowments but in the boundless love and grace of Christ.
The project also engendered a profound metamorphosis among the volunteers and congregants who devoted their time and resources. Their collective endeavors—distinguished by self-effacing generosity, fervent prayer, and cohesive unity—exemplified the transformative power of communal service. Volunteers recounted narratives of how the experience augmented their faith and deepened their comprehension of God’s mandate to love and serve.
Through the Christmas Joy Giving Project, Evangel Family Church conveyed an even more profound truth: the superlative gift of Christ’s salvation. Each food pack symbolized not solely physical sustenance but also an invitation to partake in the life-altering essence of the gospel. This initiative served as an indelible reminder that God’s gift of Jesus Christ constitutes the paramount source of transformation, instilling serenity, exultation, and hope in all who embrace Him.
As Evangel Family Church gazes toward the horizon, it remains steadfast in its mission of exemplifying God’s love within the community. Initiatives like the Christmas Joy Giving Project encapsulate this mission, substantiating that modest acts of benevolence can precipitate extraordinary impacts. With every food pack distributed and every heart touched, the church persistently proclaims the enduring truth of Christmas: Jesus Christ, the supreme gift, bestows abiding peace, joy, and metamorphosis upon the world.
