Thanksgiving Reflections: Extending Hope Beyond Borders
Thanksgiving gives us a beautiful opportunity to pause and thank the Lord for the many ways He has blessed us. We give thanks for our families, God’s faithful provision, His care for us, and the friends He has placed in our lives. This year, Dawn and I are especially grateful for our new grandson, Shepherd, and for our precious granddaughters, Serafina and Bethany.
Of course, this year has also held its share of challenges. Life is not without difficulty. Yet even in the midst of trials, we still have countless reasons to give thanks.
Remembering Our Familia on the Big Island
Every year around Thanksgiving, my heart is drawn to our familia in the Big Island. I think of how difficult life is for them — how they struggle to obtain even the most basic necessities. And this year, many of them lost what little they had because of Hurricane Melissa.
It brings us great joy that, through your generosity, we’ve been able to bless so many children and families through Hannah’s Toys of Hope. Children have received toys, shoes, backpacks, school supplies, and food — gifts that remind them they are loved and not forgotten.
The ministry began with a vision God gave to Yarelis and Pastor René. Since this summer, our team of leaders has helped about 200 children through their faithful service.
Children in Crisis — and a Simple Prayer
Rene and Yarelis shared that in some neighborhoods, children regularly witness violence in their homes and on the streets. Many come from divorced families. Some are so poor that they collect garbage just to survive. Most go to school without breakfast — and often without anything to eat the entire day. Some miss school entirely because of their situation.
Rene and Yarelis are praying about starting a small breakfast ministry for at least 20 children, providing something as simple as a glass of milk and a piece of bread. It may seem small, but for these children, it is significant.
They have invited us to join them in prayer — and we invite you to join us as well.
This Thanksgiving, as we enjoy the many blessings God has given us, let’s remember our brothers and sisters on the Big Island. Would you consider giving a gift to help provide a simple breakfast for a child in need?
Extend Your Hands to Help
Through your donations and prayers, you become the hands and feet of Jesus to these families. Because of your generosity:
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Communities hear the life-changing message of the Gospel
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Families receive food and essential supplies
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Children receive toys, shoes, and school materials
We are continuing to send aid to families affected by Hurricane Melissa who are still recovering from their losses.
Please continue praying with us — and extending your hands to help our familia on the Big Island.
Would you prayerfully consider sending a gift today — $25, $50, $100, $500, or whatever God places on your heart — to help families recover and remind them that they are not forgotten?
“And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.” — Matthew 10:42
Click below to give a special gift today and help us bring the hope of Christ to those in need.
Thank you for your generosity and compassion in extending your hands to help.
Video: Hannah’s Toys of Hope
P.S. Don’t miss this inspiring video created with our colleague Jim DeWitt, showcasing how Hannah’s Toys of Hope is making an eternal difference. Watch how God is using toys to transform lives through Pastor René and Yarelis!
Thank you for walking alongside us on this journey.
Together, we can make an eternal difference.
In His Grip, Dave & Dawn Diaso
