Christmas Critter Campaign Lifts Families from Poverty with Livestock
Animals are a central part of most Nativity scenes. Many people also are “giving” livestock to help those in poverty around the world.
Gifting farm animals is a proven method to help the world’s poorest people escape generational poverty, according to Texas-based GFA World. The ministry is conducting its annual Christmas Critter Campaign, which enables people to give goats, chickens and more to impoverished families in Africa and Asia.
“Participating in the Critter Campaign is so much more than just giving another present,” said Bishop Daniel Timotheos Yohannan, president of GFA World. “It’s a gift that transforms lives, providing a pathway out of poverty and giving real hope as people experience Christ’s love, many for the very first time.”
Animal gifts are practical and powerful. Two chickens can supply eggs to eat and sell or hatch more chicks, while a pair of pigs or goats can provide meat, milk or offspring to trade, helping families build a steady livelihood and escape generational poverty. This year, GFA World aims to help thousands of families through its Christmas Critter Campaign.
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“It’s a global connection that changes lives locally and reminds people everywhere that they’re seen and loved by God,” Yohannan said
U.S. supporters, for example, helped provide a cow for Taden. Its milk produced butter for sale, and the profits paid school fees for Taden’s children. Their joy and potential income doubled when their cow gave birth to a calf. “We came to know the true love of Jesus in our lives,” Taden said. “He has removed all our burdens and sorrows.”
The organization continues to transform lives across Africa and Asia. “We have truly seen the hand of God at work in our lives,” a family in Rwanda said. “Our faith has deepened, and our family has grown closer. We are able to dream again for our children.”
For more information or to donate, visit www.crittercampaign.org.
–Alan Goforth
