Angel Tree 2006

I recently accompanied other area Angel Tree volunteers to take Angel Tree applications to some of our area prisons. I was able to talk and to pray with many of the incarcerated. Over and over I kept hearing how grateful these men were to Angel Tree and how much Angel Tree has impacted their families’ lives as well as their own.

Some shared how they have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and are sharing the gospel with their families. One guy shared how his wife and 3 children accepted Christ at an Angel Tree outreach party! Jesus is alive and LIVING in the hearts of men behind these prison walls!

Many of these men will never live outside of prison again. Some have a while to serve while others have a little bit of time. But all of the guys I spoke to had one thing in common; they have children and families that they love and miss very deeply.

Just in San Diego alone, last year Angel Tree served 9,000 children with Christmas gifts and messages from their incarcerated parents. 12,000 children were served in S.D., Imperial and Riverside County. We as a church provided gifts for about 75 children last year. 14 families came to our Angel Tree party. A couple of the families have come to our services. I thank you for your support and know you were blessed in whatever capacity you supported Angel Tree last year.

Angel Tree is more than gift giving, although that is a big part of the program. Our focus is to share the gospel of Christ, “...to be prepared with an answer to anyone who asks your reason for the hope that you have…” (1 Pet 3:15), which of course for me and you is Jesus Christ. There are many, many opportunities if you would like to serve in Gateway’s Angel Tree ministry: First and foremost I ask that you keep all of these families in prayer- that their hearts would be open and moldable to hear and accept the gospel of Christ.

Also please pray that our hearts as a congregation would remain compassionate, non-judgmental, and loving to those in need. Angel Tree kick-off is November 12th. Pick out your angel(s) to purchase a gift for. Join our wrapping party on December 2nd at 3:00 p.m. Volunteer to assist with our Angel Tree party on December 9th. You can also volunteer to deliver gifts.

This year I would like to see all of our Angel Tree families mentored through the year. Please consider adopting an Angel Tree family for the year (details at a later time).

Remember- You look great in wings!

Love,

Juli Smith