WILLS POINT, TX — The humble animals of the traditional Christmas manger scene are inspiring more Americans to embrace “animal gifting” this year — and rediscover the true meaning of the season.
A growing number of people are turning away from disposable holiday gifts toward animal gifting, a movement that helps struggling families around the globe lift themselves out of poverty by raising farm animals.
Texas-based GFA World (www.gfa.org) is one of several organizations leading this compassionate trend through its annual Christmas Critter Campaign, which allows people to gift 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.”
The Heart of Christmas
Bishop Daniel added: “It’s also a way to reconnect with the very heart of Christmas — the Son of God, born among animals in a stable, reminding us of humility, hope, and sacrificial care for one another.”
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.
“It’s a global connection that changes lives locally — and reminds people everywhere that they’re seen and loved by God,” Bishop Daniel said.
No More Sorrows
GFA World supporters in the U.S., 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. One family in Rwanda said: “We have truly seen the hand of God at work in our lives. Our faith has deepened and our family has grown closer. We are able to dream again for our children.”
Those wanting to find out more can go to www.crittercampaign.org.
MEDIA: To arrange an interview with GFA World, contact: DeWayne Hamby, 423-505-0041,dhamby@inchristcommunications.com
About GFA World
GFA World (www.gfa.org) is a leading faith-based global missions agency, helping thousands of national missionaries bring vital assistance and spiritual hope to millions across the world, especially in Africa and Asia, and sharing the love of God. In a typical year, this includes thousands of community development projects that benefit downtrodden families and their children, free medical camps conducted in hundreds of villages and remote communities, and more than 150,000 families provided with the means to break the cycle of poverty through income-generating gifts. More than 40,000 fresh water wells have been drilled since 2007, hundreds of thousands of women are now empowered through literacy training, and Christ-motivated ministry takes place every day throughout 18 nations. GFA World has launched programs in Africa, starting with compassion projects in Rwanda. For all the latest news, visit the Press Room at https://gfanews.org/news.
