Together, Small Groups Make Big Impact through Christmas in August
We love to celebrate Christmas in August at WMU! And you can join this project by helping support North American Mission Board (NAMB) missionaries during this giving season.
Christmas in August is an ideal opportunity for churches, small groups, families, and individuals to support a missionary right here in North America.
Each year, WMU and NAMB select featured missionaries. They are listed at wmu.com/christmasinaugust, along with information about who they are, the people they serve, and a list of practical needs. Also included are mailing addresses and tips on sending the requested items.
Sharing Socks, Shoes, and the Gospel in Nevada
In 2023, Ryan Ivy, who serves in Las Vegas, Nevada, as lead pastor of Image Church, requested items such as socks, shoes, and deodorant as part of the church’s partnership with a health clinic ministering to low-income communities and people experiencing homelessness.
“Being a part of Christmas in August was incredible, and the response was almost overwhelming!” Ryan said.
“We received well over 100 pairs of socks, hand sanitizer, and some shoes along with several hundred dollars’ worth of gift cards. We didn’t know when the supplies would come in originally, so [we planned our event] for Good Friday 2024. We washed individuals’ feet, provided necessary health services, distributed a meal, shared the gospel, and gave every participant a new pair of socks, shoes, and hygiene items. We are so grateful to partner with Southern Baptists to make this happen.”
Sharing Meals and the Gospel in South Dakota
Matt Hadden, who serves as the executive director of Čhankú Wašté (ch-ahn-koo wash-tay) Ranch, a Send Relief ministry center in Porcupine, South Dakota, requested gifts cards to benefit a partner ministry at Creator’s Fellowship Baptist Church that provides meals every week for dialysis patients.
Sarah Deible, who oversees the dialysis ministry, said, “The Lord did incredible things through Christmas in August here in South Dakota. We operate a daily meal program … which requires approximately $17,000 per year to fund. Because of WMU’s interest, investment, and generosity, we are essentially funded for all of 2024!”
Sarah shared that receiving encouraging notes, pictures, and cards from the body of Christ all over the United States was an overwhelming blessing. “We are so grateful that our community was seen — provided for and prayed for — through the efforts of [WMU]. We desire to share and show the love of Christ in practical ways; one way specifically is that we would really see the people in front of us and walk with them well. Because of [Christmas in August], countless prayers were lifted on behalf of our Lakota community, and for that we are eternally grateful.”
Women on Mission Groups Tell Their Story of Giving
“We are a small Women on Mission group made up of mostly elderly women at a very small church — Pleasant Hill Baptist Church — in Eclectic, Alabama. But that doesn’t stop us from having a heart for missions! In 2023, we participated in Christmas in August by supporting five of the chosen missionaries and providing them the tools and supplies needed to help spread the gospel. We have multiple projects going on each year to support our local senior center, law enforcement agencies, an advocacy center, nursing homes, shut-ins, and a Christian facility devoted to caring for children whose parents are incarcerated. We also organize collections for the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering for North American Missions, the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions, and the Myers-Mallory State Missions Offering of Alabama.”
—Linda Hensley, Alabama
“Women on Mission at Mount Zion Baptist Church in Spartanburg, South Carolina, participated in Christmas in August 2023 by supporting Camp Rock in Valdosta, Georgia. Camp Rock’s goal is to place children in foster care into Christ-centered, loving homes. More than 11,000 children were in foster care in Georgia in 2022. Volunteers delivered the donated items and visited the camp on September 15. When we chose Camp Rock a few months earlier in June, God already knew a hurricane would sweep through that area and their need would be greater than usual. The back of our bus was packed — and notice the rainbow above it! God is good!”
—Wanda Chapman, South Carolina
Will Your Church, Small Group, or Family Join in Giving This Year?
This year, more missionaries have been selected and their needs shared. Consider whether your church, group, or family could select a missionary, collect and send items, and support the missionary by praying, coming alongside him or her in ministry, and sending cards of encouragement throughout the year. If you are able to send items, keep in mind you do not have to send all the requested items. You may choose to send one item, several of the same item, a few of the items, or all of the items.
Visit wmu.com/christmasinaugust to learn more and to select a missionary to support today!
Reagan Jackson is managing editor for adult resources at WMU.
