Two years ago, our family decided to try to earn enough money during Advent to purchase a cow through the Compassion Gift Catalog. I found a great Advent calendar that was a little different than most. Instead of the kids receiving something each day, they were putting aside money each day based on things we are blessed with in our home. And yes, we did end up with enough money to purchase the cow! To help us remember our gift, I found a cow ornament, wrapped it, and put it under our tree for Christmas morning. 

Then, two months later, we learned about a video contest Compassion was hosting for families that had donated toward the Compassion Gift Catalog! This was pretty exciting because we ended up being in the top three vote getters for the contest. There was a chance for two of us to win a trip to Nicaragua with Compassion! We didn't end up winning the contest, but this was the start of my heart's desire to go on a Compassion trip

I know not everyone can and/or will go on a trip with Compassion. But there is a way that each family can make a difference. Even if you do not sponsor a Compassion child, you can give a gift this Christmas that will have a lasting effect for a family living in extreme poverty.

Compassion has a wonderful gift catalog so that you and your family can give a gift in Jesus' name this Christmas. You can even set up a wish list and share it with family and friends. Won't you consider spending less on your own family this Christmas, so that you can share the hope of Jesus with another family?