THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, November 24, 1994 TAG: 9411220236
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 10 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Religion
SOURCE: BY TRUDY CUTHRELL, CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Medium: 70 lines
For people around the world, Christmas is a special season of giving.
But, what to give?
Nansemond River Baptist Church has come up with a different way to multiply your holiday investments and double your blessings to loved ones and friends. The project is called the Living Gift Market, sponsored by the worldwide organization Heiffer Project International.
After he received some information about it, ``It sounded like a very worthwhile project,'' said Neal Johnson, director of music and youth at Nansemond River. ``Everyone, from children through senior adults, can be involved, and all of our church's mission organizations are helping out.''
The purpose behind a Living Gift Market is to raise funds to provide underprivileged families with animals that produce food and income and to train people how to care for the animals. These gift animals - bought through the Heiffer Project in honor of family members and friends - enable hungry families around the world to become more self-reliant.
At 7 p.m. Sunday, the fellowship hall at Nansemond River Baptist will be transformed into the church's Living Gift Market. The Women's Ministry will offer pigs - $10 for a share or $120 for one animal. The Women's Missionary Union will market sheep. And the Baptist Men will promote the sale of heiffers.
These simple gifts provide undernourished children with daily nutrition from eggs and milk. Increased family income, from the sale of animal products, can mean school for the children, health care and better housing. The family can learn farming methods that improve the soil for crops and renew the environment. And whole communities can be empowered to go beyond their immediate physical needs to fulfill new hopes and dreams.
With the gift of an animal, one hungry family may take a small but significant step toward overcoming poverty.
The Living Gift Market at Nansemond River will include live animals to add the sights and sounds of a real animal market. As shoppers consider how to spend their money, calligraphers will be ready to personalize gift cards depicting Noah's Ark. These cards come with inserts to notify recipients of the gifts given in their honor and to explain how the animal, or share of an animal, bought in their names will be used by a needy family.
Each card closes with this holiday wish: ``May this gift bring joy as it enables a family to begin producing food, caring for the Earth, and sharing with others.''
John Crawford, president of the Baptist Men at Nansemond River, is excited about his church's involvement with the Living Gift Market.
``It seems like a great program, and the Baptist Men are setting up the market and sponsoring a table.''
Johnson said all proceeds from this event will go directly to the Heiffer Project ministry, a non-profit Christian organization that works in partnership with individuals and 13 denominations. Since 1944, it has helped more than 1 million families in 110 countries. And families pass on the gift by giving one or more of their animals' offspring to other families in need. MEMO: Nansemond River's market will open at 7 p.m. Sunday in the church's
fellowship hall at 2896 Bridge Road. Refreshments will be served, and
the community is invited to join in this holiday event. Call the church
office at 484-3423 for more information.
ILLUSTRATION: Photo
Melissa McClenney, Ronnie Bunch and John Crawford discuss final
plans for the Living Gift Market at Nansemond Baptist Church.
by CNB