(re)Start a Boxing Day tradition!

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

Back in 2006 I wrote about the significance and history of Boxing Day (26th of December), a day observed in Canada and many parts of Europe.  I also suggested that we keep up with an old tradition – giving to those in need on this day (or a few days later – I’ll be flexible!)

Here are some ideas of how you could show your thankfulness by giving to others in need this Boxing Day:

There are several great projects in the CAM International Christmas Catalogue this year (note: if you’re not from the US, and want a tax-deductible receipt, don’t donate through the CAM website.  Contact CAM International of Canada if you’re Canadian and want to be involved in these projects).  For example:

• Help a family in Honduras that doesn’t have an adequate place to live.  Did you know that you could build them a home – for only US$230?!  Check out Home for a Honduran Family
• What if you had a place to live, but no clean water to drink?  Or what if there was water available, but it was very expensive?  This is an amazing project that involves creative involvement of a local church, building friendships, and providing clean water to families in need.  Water Filtration Systems for Guatemala – only US$75 for a system!
  Read more about the filtration system, and more examples of how it’s being used.
• One of the biggest challenges here in Mexico City is space – finding property that people can afford.  What if a church wants to meet, and have a place to have community events?  Here in Ixtapaluca we’re praying for such a place for the new outreach in the community of Jesús María.  Contact us if you’re interested in helping with this need.

One of the things I’m interested in personally is getting clean water to people who have none, in the Lord’s name.  Another family involved in this is the Beam family, missionaries with the Evangelical Free Church of Canada Mission in Bolivia.

The project is called agua:yaku, and it involves using and teaching simple, effective clean water drilling techniques.  Each well drilled using this method costs about $100-$200 (that’s all!).  Read more about this water drilling here.

Donating can be a little confusing, but Canadians can donate here – just mention the Beams and the agua:yaku project.  If you’re in the USA, you can donate through Owingsville Baptist Church (contact the church here).

In previous years we have mentioned Samaritan’s Purse – they have a Christmas catalogue here.

Of course we also appreciate those who have given to us as we pass on the blessing to people in Central Mexico.  You can give to our ministry here.

Other ideas?

• Get together with a group from your church to help out someone who is in need financially, or discouraged, in your community.
• Visit someone in a hospital who may be alone.
• Have your children collect some of their older toys to give to someone who has less than they have.

If you have other ideas – leave a comment!  Let’s (re)start an old Boxing Day tradition.