A Christmas Miracle in the Making
Christmas is only a few weeks away. In Moldova and Ukraine, our boys and girls are waiting eagerly for a 40-foot container packed with gifts and supplies — a tangible reminder that they are seen, loved, and remembered.
In early January my wife Chrissie, our daughter Melody, and a team of women from across America will travel to Vatra Village to celebrate Christmas — which falls on January 7 in Moldova — bringing not just gifts but the very heart of Christmas: the love of Jesus. For many of our young people, this will be their first Christmas ever.
I recently watched video testimonies from several girls who have just arrived at Vatra Village, and their stories tore at my soul. One girl shared through tears the abuse she had fled, and how she had once gone back to protect her little sister. Today, by the grace of God, her tears have turned to laughter. Her pain is being replaced by hope. Redemption is taking place.
Why We Call It Promise House
Bound by government regulations, we have sometimes had to send children back to their villages when they were too young to stay with us — and the results have been heartbreaking. I vowed before God that we would build a place where every child could stay, heal, and be loved. And so, in the middle of great challenge, we stepped out in faith and purchased two homes for boys and girls between four and sixteen years old. We call them Promise House — a promise that every child will have a place to belong.
This Christmas I'm also facing a personal battle. On December 2 I underwent vocal-cord surgery, and my doctor has ordered me to stay completely silent through the most important month of the year. I cannot use my voice to share this need — so I'm using this letter. Even as the enemy whispers that we will fail, God has already spoken: last Sunday a precious church in Georgia gave a miraculous offering of $50,000, one-third of what we need. It was as if God said, “I've got this.”
Jesus didn't come for a holiday party. He came to rescue the hopeless.
I can't speak this month, but you can be my voice. Would you send a special Christmas gift to help us finish the final payment on Promise House and prepare the interiors for these children? When you give, you give more than money — you give redemption, safety, and a chance at a new life. By this time next year, you'll see the faces of children rescued because you gave.
