MY faith
Good Will Toward Men
Christmas is a season of giving . And there ’ s something about this time of year that brings out the generosity in people . As believers , we give because God has given to us . We are especially reminded of this at Christmastime , when we celebrate the life-changing , long-awaited gift God graciously gave for all of humanity — the gift of His Son — Immanuel , God with us .
As holiday shoppers come to your store , they can expect to find the perfect gift for someone on their list . But what if they found something more ? This Christmas , you can give those who visit your store the opportunity to give to those in need by partnering with a ministry or a charity , either locally or internationally .
The following are some of the ways your fellow retailers are spreading good will toward men this Christmas season — and all year long .
BUILDING HOPE PROJECT When David Curtiss , the son of Jon and LaShalle Curtiss of Word of Life Christian Bookstores in Los Angeles , CA , went on a mission trip to Uganda at the age of 16 , a young boy approached him as he was leaving . “ Will you forget about us too ?” the young boy asked . David told the boy he would not forget him . True to his word , he came home with a purpose — he wanted to find a way to help . The Curtiss family started a non-profit scholarship program called Building Hope Project , which sponsors students to attend primary school in Uganda by covering all schooling costs . The Curtiss family holds a “ popcorn program ” fundraiser and partners with local churches and families to help support the students . Building Hope Project encourages students to become leaders in their community . And every year , LaShalle goes to Uganda to see the fruits of their labor . Her son David is now 27 , and that little boy from Uganda , he just graduated this year . To learn more about Building Hope Project , visit www . buildinghopeproject . org .
BUILDING HOPE PROJECT continued on page 12 >>
www . christianretailassociation . org / CRA today 11