166!!! That may be a number you’ve never celebrated before, and to be honest, we’ve never really paid it much attention until this week. But that is the number of meals we were able to deliver through Thanksgiving in a Bag 2014! That’s a phenomenal number and a 21% increase over last year! Thanks so much to all of our donors, volunteers, and staff who made it all possible!

But we're gonna keep going in 2014! That's why we're excited about our December Challenge through Samaritan’s Purse. Throughout the next month, we’re challenging you to give gifts through their catalog (you can access the online catalog here OR pick up one of the catalogs here at Gateway), and let us know! Here’s how… When you and/or your family gives a gift, please post on social media (Twitter or Facebook) the name of the gift program, followed Samaritan’s Purse, followed by the hashtag #g8waygives. For example, if you wanted to give $20 to a clean water project, your post would look like this… “Clean Water, Samaritan’s Purse #g8waygives.” Some of you may want to challenge each other (vis a vis “The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge”), and if you want to do that, feel free!

Now remember, this is not a time to brag or draw attention to just ourselves. We do what we do to let Christ’s light shine through us. We understand that not everyone will be able to give at the same level. Some will be able to give more than others; some will not be able to give as much as others. What we’re asking from you is to follow the principle of “unequal gifts, but equal sacrifice.” That helps us to remember that every gift, from the least to the greatest, matters and will be used by God to shine His light in our world.

So, throughout this Christmas season, have fun letting your light shine!

PS - Remember… #g8waygives