Mission of Mercy exists to provide hope and opportunity to children around the world. Although we often focus on the physical benefits of sponsorship like educational support and medical screenings, there's another very important aspect to this ministry.

Celebration.

We ask you as sponsors to help us celebrate the child throughout the year, offering encouragement through your letters and prayers.

And at Christmas time, we ask you to help us celebrate the Christ child in a tangible way. That's what your donations to the Christmas Gift Fund do -- they provide the means for each child to receive a gift, just as Christ came for each of us.

Those who work at our projects are resourceful and creative. The way they put parties together is nothing short of amazing.

Because of a special trip to the Dominican Republic last week, a group of professional baseball players and their wives were able to see a project's Christmas preparations up close. Check it out!

When Christmas rolls around, out comes the glitter and balloons. The staff wants to be sure the children know this is a celebration!
  
Our staff in the Dominican Republic take "Deck The Halls" seriously -- even the ceiling gets festive!
This year, the baseball players and their wives were able to help the project set up their Christmas tree. The children assisted by making crosses out of yarn and popsicle sticks. Others made angels out of coffee filters. One little boy was so proud of his angel that he took it with him wherever he went!

We can't decide what is more beautiful -- the tree or the precious smiles on these kids' faces!