A place at the table

Small acts of generosity became moments of welcome, joy and gospel hope across our Elim missionary family.

Sometimes the most powerful ministry looks like something simple. A table. A shared meal. A room full of laughter, where people who would normally pass each other by start to feel seen, safe, and welcome.

This Christmas, Elim supporters helped our missionaries create those moments in real places, with real people.

In Coron, Matt and Ellie Heywood watched a small idea become a door opening for families. “Ellie and I paid for the children of City Gates Coron to go to McDonald's for a Christmas party. We hired the party room, played games, and shared food together. The children were able to bring their parents along, and we were able to share a short Christmas message with them.” What began as a children’s party became a family invitation, and a gentle chance to speak hope into homes.

In Romania, Heidi Longworth turned her home into a place of belonging. “Thank you so much for the Christmas gift. I invited friends who would have been on their own on Christmas Day and cooked a British Christmas dinner, and got creative with the rest!” Loneliness did not get the final word. A warm plate and a few thoughtful touches helped strangers feel like family.

In Indonesia, Sheryl Maatitawaer and her husband Novi brought pure delight to the children they serve. “We used the Christmas blessing money to buy five metres worth of pizza so all could enjoy. No surprises that it went down very well and was gone in about 10 minutes!” The speed at which it disappeared said everything about the joy in that room.

In Cambodia, Sophie Moore shared how this gift became timely provision and encouragement. “We had Sarun’s sister and family staying with us, so we used half of the money to bless them as they were displaced from their home. We had dinner together, then we were able to bless one of our leaders and his family. Being remembered and blessed at this time meant the world!” For people far from home and carrying much, being seen and fed was its own kind of shelter.

Thank you, Elim. You did not just fund food, you helped love take shape in front of people’s eyes, and that is the kind of good news that travels.