What I want for Christmas this year...

Of course, I want the usual. World peace, a Red Sox World Series in 2010, a slower/stopping receding hair line, and (not last or least) a healthy wife. But, this Christmas, I want a some different things - some new things.

1) As you may have read, Katie and I are expecting our 1st child. So, this year, I'm asking for a safe and healthy pregnancy for Katie and our baby. June 4th, the due date, is coming sooner and sooner. :) SOOO exciting! But, Katie and I can't stop thinking about all those kids that have lost their moms and dads --- all those kids that we all get the joy to serve.

2) We want you to experience an incredible feeling of giving someone a life changing gift. I've held the hands of sooo many children, as we've watched their parents die, visited their parents' grave sites, or talked with pastors about what will happen next to them. We've spent the last five years finding and developing networks of churches in Zimbabwe and Zambia to help you have this very unique opportunity to help answer the questions and doubts these pastors and kids have. Forgotten Voices is working hard to equip them with the skills, resources, and networks they need to help these kids.

This year, as we did last year, we are offering Life Changing Gift Certificates.

You make an online donation between now and Jan 1, add your friend/family's name in the comment box when making your gift, and within 24 hrs of your gift, we'll send you one of these custom made for you.

All of the funds are going to be used for our campaign to raise $50,000 more by year end to keep about 5,000 kids in school in Zimbabwe and Zambia. We still have $30,000 to go. While the deadline was originally Dec 15, we don't have the money to pay the schools yet, so we now have until Dec 30.

I've watched over the past two years. Over and over, people that give these to friends say that they KNOW their gift is going to go far and change the gift of a child. They know that a a gift is both needed (for the kid) and wanted (for their friend, family, or coworker). What else can you do for $50? $15? $100? $1,000? All gifts, regardless of size, are needed. Give a gift today.

Thanks! If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to comment or send me an email.

All the best and Merry Christmas!

-Ryan