Christmas Survive to Thrive Guide - 2021 (MD)

Christmas

Survive to

thrive

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given.

guide

ISAIAH 9:6

This Christmas

Bring hope and Joy TO STRUGGLING FAMILIES IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES. Dear Friends, Gift giving is a meaningful part of Christmas, but unfortunately, severe poverty deprives many children, families and communities of this simple joy.

For them, the Christmas season is often filled with the daily struggle to survive.

If they are a woman or child in crisis, or happen to have a disability, that struggle is compounded many times over.

By partnering with Cross through our Christmas Survive to Thrive Guide, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, you can demonstrate Christ’s compassion to an impoverished child and family who may never have received a Christmas gift. You can give in four different meaningful ways. No matter which you choose, your gift will help incredibly vulnerable kids and families. May God bless you and your family during this Holy season!

In Christ, Kelly Miller President & CEO, Cross International

Every good and perfect gift is from above...

JAMES 1:17

christmas Survive to Four ways to give.

thrive guide

Four ways to lift families out of poverty:

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FOOD & NUTRITION

CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES

Respond to the nutritional needs of vulnerable and malnourished children and their families. The food you provide will improve the health of impoverished families that have been even more devastated by COVID and the recent food shortages.

Your gift will go to projects such as: • Divine Shelter Schools, Haiti

Your gift will go to projects such as:

• Children’s Club of Solino, Haiti

• New Academy of Excellence, Haiti

• MEBSH, Haiti

• Kupenda for the Children, Kenya

• Ambuya Development Center, Malawi

• Hope Walks, Zambia

• Moses Project, Ecuador Will benefit 5,970+ children and family members

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Help these kids reach for their God-given potential — equipping them to attend school, learn about Jesus, play with others, participate in their communities, receive specialized resources, and enjoy life to the fullest.

• CURE Malawi • Ruimveldt Children’s Home, Guyana Will benefit 5,620+ children and family members

WOMEN & CHILDREN IN CRISIS You can help women and children in desperate situations, including victims of trafficking and street kids. We work with Christian partners to protect the vulnerable and spearhead abuse and trafficking prevention programs.

Your gift will go to projects such as: • Hope of Life Child Rescue, Guatemala • Casa de Vida, Guatemala • Casa Bernabe, Guatemala • Arms of Love, Nicaragua • Togetherness in Christ, Haiti Will benefit 240+ children and family members

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MOST URGENT NEEDS Partner with us on this initiative and you’ll be able to address critical needs for food, water and shelter, as well as support ministries where at-risk children and their families are tenderly cared for and nurtured.

Your gift will go to: • Thriving Kids Initiative — Africa, the Caribbean, Central America, South America Will benefit 65,000+ children and family members

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Food & Nutrition Your gift will go to projects such as — Divine Shelter Schools, Haiti | Children’s Club of Solino, Haiti | MEBSH, Haiti Ambuya Development Center, Malawi | The Moses Project, Ecuador

Feeding hungry kids to help them thrive When we talk to our ministry partners overseas, the reports we receive break our hearts. We hear of food insecurity, especially because of COVID outbreaks, and the inability of governments in developing countries to respond to the needs of those most vulnerable. Children and their families are hungry, and they are relying on church-based efforts to help.

By giving to Food & Nutrition, you are helping our partners respond to the needs of thousands of hungry children and their family members in countries like Haiti, Malawi and Ecuador. Your gift will support the provision of meals and other services that are essential for survival. Conditions among these vulnerable children, families and communities are extreme, and a generous donation during this season of giving will change lives forever!

Food & Nutrition

Annual support Feeds approximately 5,970 children and their family members through food distributions and nutrition programs.

CI provides meals and other essential services to address malnutrition in all its forms.

Program Budget Amount Raised to Date

$1,813,217 $141,976

Amount Needed to Raise

$1,671,241

Please give!

HIGHLIGHTED PROJECT | Ambuya Development Center, Malawi

The story of Francis Francis lives far away in rural Malawi, yet the young man recently experienced a crisis that many American children can relate to — the tragic breakup of his family.

When his father left his mother to marry another woman, the economic blow was crushing. Deprived of the primary breadwinner, Francis and his sister, Hope, went entire days without food. They also missed out on school because their mother simply couldn’t afford it.

Thankfully, help came through Cross’ in-country ministry partner, the Ambuya Development Center (ADC). Because of generous friends like you, Francis and Hope are now guaranteed a nutritious weekday meal at ADC along with other support they need to thrive. Francis likes going to ADC, not only because of the food, but also because he enjoys the Bible lessons and learning how to pray. Now that his basic needs are met, he is able to dream of a better future!

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children with disabilities Your gift will go to projects such as — New Academy of Excellence, Haiti | Hope Walks, Zambia Kupenda for the Children, Kenya | CURE Malawi

Help each child succeed The UN estimates that between 93 and 150 million children worldwide live with a disability. But in developing countries, these children are often unable to attend school, play outside or get access to specialized resources. Negative stigma or superstition among their parents, neighbors and community leaders often reinforces these barriers.

Children in these circumstances become isolated and lonely. That’s where you can help.

Your gift to Children with Disabilities will help to ensure that these kids have a chance to reach for their God-given potential — equipping them to attend school, play with others and participate in community activities. We believe God has incredible plans for these kids. By being an advocate for these children and ensuring that they have access to appropriate care and education, you are also ensuring that these kids can enjoy life to the fullest.

HIGHLIGHTED PROJECT | CURE International, Malawi

Edward’s story “My only place to be is to hide in the house where no one can see my burnt arm,” said Edward.

When Edward was a baby, his mother laid him to sleep while the oil lamp was burning just next to his bed. When Edward’s mother left the room for a moment, she heard Edward cry out. The bedding had caught fire and Edward sustained burns on his left arm.

“I ran to rescue my son, but I was too late,” said Edward’s mom.

The baby clothes ignited into flames and little Edward cried out for his life. He was rushed to the village clinic to seek medical assistance. Sadly, as Edward’s hand healed, his fingers stuck together. Even today, Edward cannot use his misshapen hand. He has spent his life in hiding, feeling ugly and unwanted. “I once tried to go to school,” he said, “but everyone made me feel uncomfortable.” Edward needed help. He is receiving that help through Cross’ ministry partner, CURE Malawi.

Doctors from CURE’s mobile clinic have already visited Edward’s home. They have met with Edward and his mom, and he is booked to undergo surgery at the CURE Hospital in Blantyre. Please keep Edward in your prayers as he awaits his surgery.

We know the Lord will be sending his angels to watch over him!

Children with Disabilities

Annual support

Provides approximately 5,620 children with support services, equipping them to attend school, play with others, participate in their communities, and receive specialized resources and care.

CI ensures that kids with disabilities have a chance to reach their God-given potential.

Program Budget

$331,900

Amount Raised to Date

$10,750

Amount Needed to Raise

$321,150

Please give!

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WOMEN & CHILDREN IN CRISIS Your gift will go to projects such as —

Hope of Life Child Rescue, Guatemala | Casa de Vida, Guatemala Casa Bernabe, Guatemala | Arms of Love, Nicaragua | Togetherness in Christ, Haiti

AFTER

BEFORE

Be a source of hope

At Hope of Life in Guatemala, thousands of malnourished infants are rescued each year and lovingly restored to health.

Through such projects as vocational training, abuse prevention, anti-trafficking programs and Bible-based literacy classes, Cross International is helping vulnerable women and children reclaim their lives through direct intervention and the eternal hope and dignity found in Jesus Christ.

Your gift to Women & Children in Crisis will help protect a victim of gender-based violence, provide education, or meet other needs to ease the daily struggle for survival.

Your gift will also lift marginalized women and children out of poverty, equipping them to support themselves and their families.

Inspired by Jesus’ love, we work shoulder to shoulder with our in-country partners, empowering them to create change that lasts so that the women and children they serve will be able to stand confidently on their own. Be a part of this good news and make a life-saving gift part of your Christmas traditions.

Women & Children in Crisis

Annual support

Help approximately 240 women and children in desperate situations, including victims of trafficking and street kids.

CI works with Christian partners to protect the vulnerable and spearhead abuse prevention programs.

Program Budget

$590,297

Amount Raised to Date

$52,193

Amount Needed to Raise

$538,104

Please give!

HIGHLIGHTED PROJECT | Arms of Love, Nicaragua

Saved by grace Felix’s story is a tragic one. A former street kid, Felix, 13, has lived at Cross’ ministry partner, Arms of Love, for two years now.

Unlike a traditional orphanage, Arms of Love places children like Felix in age- and gender-specific dormitory groups under the care of Christian house parents until the children reach adulthood. Each dorm provides a safe refuge and a wholesome family atmosphere for children who have been permanently separated from their parents due to death, abandonment or serious abuse.

In Felix’s case, he was abandoned by his parents at an early age. Although he has always had a tendency to romanticize his years with his family, it is clear that he was treated badly and things went terribly wrong right after his father’s work required him to spend long periods away from home. Felix’s mother became involved with another man, who physically abused Felix and his two brothers. We don’t know all that Felix and his brothers have endured, but we are certain all three children were traumatized. With Cross’ help, he has received the trauma counseling he needs.

Initially, school was tough for Felix. But now that he has graduated from primary school, the most amazing transformation has taken

place. Felix has suddenly opened up.

He has begun to care about himself, about others, and his schoolwork is flourishing as well.

Today, Felix is a playful and happy child who wants to be loved and experience new things. He is actively involved in every activity available to him and is quick to offer help when needed.

Felix has benefited greatly from his time at Arms of Love. We know he still misses his parents and the memories of what his family life used to look like, but God is working in his life and allowing us the opportunity to love and support him in deeper ways in his healing journey.

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Most urgent needs Thriving Kids Initiative Your gift will go to —

Africa | The Caribbean | Central America | South America

A three-cord approach The wisest man who ever lived said, “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:12). That’s why at Cross International, we believe that the best way to help children thrive is to take a similar three-cord approach:

• Creating stable families • Creating stable communities • Growing a faith life By giving to our Thriving Kids Initiative, you’re not only meeting the Most Urgent Needs of impoverished kids and families­— lifesaving nutritious food, clean water, good education, safe shelter, medical care, agribusiness and economic opportunity—you are also sharing the love and care rooted in the truth of Jesus Christ.

HIGHLIGHTED PROJECT | Haiti Opportunities, Haiti

The value of a goat There is a saying in Haiti. The saying goes, “If you build the body before the soul, it’s like washing your hands and then drying them in dirt.” Even Samuel, a little 5-year-old boy, understands the wisdom of this old Haitian proverb. Samuel recently received a goat through a student animal ownership program. He waters the goat. He feeds it and is learning that even though his goat is very small, its value is very great.

Samuel is part of an animal ownership program sponsored by Haiti Opportunities, in partnership with Cross International’s Thriving Kids Initiative. Even at his young age, Samuel knows that his little goat is going to pay great dividends down the road.

Goats provide milk, can be slaughtered for meat, can be sold at the market or bred as a source of income. That income can pay for Samuel’s education.

Your Christmas gift to Cross’ Thriving Kids Initiative will not only change Samuel’s life, it will break the cycle of poverty for thousands of other children, fulfilling the promise God has in store for them.

Thriving Kids Initiative

Annual support Last year, served 56,000 vulnerable children and family members.

This year, looking to serve 65,000 children and family members.

Supports 26 Christian ministries in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean.

Program Budget

$8,236,137

Amount Raised to Date

$2,347,037

Amount Needed to Raise

$5,889,100

Please give!

Soon after receiving his goat, little Samuel discovered that his goat was pregnant. It gave birth to a baby kid. Now Samuel is the proud owner of two goats instead of one.

Even at his young age, Samuel knows that his little goat is going to pay great dividends down the road.

A Christmas Gift to Help People Thrive In Acts 10, an angel told Cornelius, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God.” We believe you please God with your prayers and gifts to those less fortunate as well. That’s why we are asking you, this Christmas season, to give the gifts of hope, opportunity, and Jesus’ love with one of the featured gifts in our Survive to Thrive Guide.

Your generosity will truly make a lasting impact this Christmas. And as a Thriving Kids Initiative partner, you will help share a living witness of God’s love to highly vulnerable children and family members for an entire year — ultimately transforming lives and communities from deepest need to thriving joy!

I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.

PHILIPPIANS 4:13 (NIV)

CrossInternational.org