The Christmas Story! Think about it… really think about it… “The Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, a young woman shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Emmanuel.” Isaiah 7:14. The Christmas story is strange, it’s foreign, it’s beyond the bounds of human imagination. In order to accomplish what God wanted to do for us, he used angels, an obedient virgin, and even stars in the sky. We humans didn’t think of it, understand it, or approve it. All we could do, at Bethlehem, was receive it. 

The Christmas story implies that what God wants to do for us is so strange, so far out of reach of human effort and striving. It tells of an unimaginable, supernatural gift that reveals to us how to be receivers. God blesses us with a gift and calls us to see ourselves as we are — empty-handed recipients of God’s Grace. 

On the left is a boy named Maykey. I found myself in a predicament one day. The MUD was just a bit too challenging for me on my little moto. Maykey happened by in my time of need and said, “I will help you.” We talked while we cleaned my muddy shoes ‘in the mud’. I asked Maykey if he knew Jesus as his friend and Savior. Maykey said no. So we talked a bit more. I hope to meet up with Maykey and continue the conversation. Praying that Maykey will RECEIVE the gift of salvation through Jesus.

Below, Maykey proceeded to help another lady. The woman was carrying her child on her back while carrying a heavy bucket. Maykey was there to lend a hand and lighten the load.

Some events we have coming up here: above is a potential plan for the expansion of the MH Fundamental school. We will be adding 7th grade for the 2025-26 school year. Final plans and construction coming soon.

Coming up in January, our Haitian management team will participate in the annual planning meeting. We will review our vision and objectives and discuss what we will focus on for 2025.

The annual MH wedding ceremony took place in December. 19 couples were united in marriage. During recent days, the wedding gowns are being returned. This is the list with the names of the couples, checking off one by one as dresses come back. Here, below, is a ‘gift’ I would rather NOT receive…. The day of the ceremony was a rainy day. I was afraid what we might find afterwards. All my fears have been realized! EEECK. This will put the handwash laundry soap to the test. 😟 I can’t imagine HOW this can be! Even from a muddy day.

Inspired by Christi’s reflections on the power of love and giving, discover how you can make a tangible difference in the lives of others. Visit our Give Joy Catalog to explore opportunities to support our work in Haiti and experience the joy of giving back. Your generosity empowers our ministry to continue serving those in need and share the love of Christ with the Haitian community.

About Many Hands:

Many Hands is an Iowa-based nonprofit creating local and global life-transformation by strengthening families.  Established in 2008, the organization focuses on six key areas for transformation, including education, agronomy, leadership development, safe homes, medical assistance, and economic development. Each year, the organization reaches at least 25,000 people through their Haitian operations, IMPACT trips, and Many Hands four Thrift Markets located in the greater Des Moines, Iowa area. 

Many Hands is called to transform together, to be love in action, in a broken world.