Thank you DOCUmation for making this story possible to share.
and efforts dedicated
to filling this
need and doing
God’s work during
the Christmas
season. Collaboration
is a central
value of the San
Antonio Beacon
and we are seeking
to multiply our
efforts. The Beacon
is providing a path
for the community
to make a single
monetary donation
to its charitable
arm, Transformation,
which will
simultaneously
benefit several
causes throughout
the city.
The Beacon is
joining forces with
the outreach
efforts of eight
local ministries to
The three wise men
relied only on their
beliefs, and divine
intervention, to lead
them to the family
that night and
worship Jesus, the
promised King. They
brought sacrificial
gifts that had deep
meaning. In the
same way, your
sacrificial giving to
these causes will
have deep meaning
for the families that
are being served.
bless families across San Antonio with
a traditional Christmas experience,
complete with a warm meal and
presents. “Many of these families will
have a limited Christmas, if any at all,
and these may be the only presents
they receive this year,” said Bill
Morgan, of Moment of Truth Ministries.
“We want to give these kids dignity
and bless them with acts of kindness,”
said Mark Lugo, of
Mark Lugo Ministries.
When speaking with
the ministries, they
underscored treating
these people with
respect, reassuring
them that they are
not forgotten, they
are not alone, and
there is an entire
community that loves
them. “This isn’t
“ They are not
forgotten,
they are not
alone, and
that there is
an entire
community
that loves
them.”
about being judgmental, it’s about
being hopeful,” said Warren Beamer of
The Dream Center. All donations made
through the Beacon will be divided
evenly among the eight ministries.
As Christians, we know presents are
not the meaning of the season, but
what these events and gifts can represent
for these children and their
parents are that of hope, faith and
especially love. It is an opportunity to
allow these families to put their
burdens aside if just for a day. A
reminder of gifts carrying higher
meaning is illustrated in the Book of
Matthew with the story of Jesus’ birth
and his visit from the three wise men.
Jesus was also born to humble
parents and modest surroundings,
covered only in cloths in a manger.
However, three highly regarded wise
men, having heard of a great prophecy,
traveled a long distance to bless the
child who was “born King of the Jews.”
Their reverence was demonstrated
in the gifts they bestowed on the child.
One gave gold, or the metal of the
kings, recognizing Jesus as the King of
Kings. Another gave incense, often
used in church worship, acknowledging
Jesus’ future priestly teachings. And
lastly, Jesus was given myrrh, which
was used for embalming; perhaps
signifying the profound and necessary
suffering Jesus would endure at the
end of his life.
The three wise men relied only on
their beliefs and divine intervention to
lead them to the family that night and
worship Jesus, the promised King. They
brought sacrificial gifts that had deep
meaning. In the same way, your sacrificial
giving to these causes will have
deep meaning for the families that are
being served.
Similarly, none of us know the
complete circumstances or the
intended paths God has for the
families we will bless this year.
Perhaps they lost their way, or are
stuck in a cycle of drugs, abuse or
poverty they feel they cannot break.
Our only duty is to give in a way that
will increase their faith in Christ and
help advance them on a journey to
meet Him and live in His grace.
Your single financial gift
will be multiplied and
touch our entire city
as it is shared with these
eight ministries:
1 The Dream Center
www.sadreamcenter.thirddaygeneration.org
Westside. On Dec. 22, the Dream Center will host its
annual Christmas event, blessing 1,500 people with
toys, dinner and fellowship. Donations will also
impact the ministry’s daily mission to provide
“survival bags” including basic toiletries, clothes,
diapers, groceries and meals to those in need.
2 Last Chance Ministries
www.last-chance-ministries.org
Westside. On Dec. 15, Last Chance Ministries will
host its 12th Annual Christmas Toy Giveaway. An
official part of SA300, the event will provide entertainment,
food and gifts for more than 2,500 people.
“T here are a handful of organizations that I hold dear.
I am passionate about organizations that provide for
our children in San Antonio, because they are the most
defenseless members of our society. No matter what
situation a family may be in, or how they got there,
the child didn’t ask for any of it. CAM helps to support
those families who are desperately trying to support
their families, but just need a bit more help doing it.
This is true of all eight ministries represented in this
article. A quote that has always stuck with me is from
Pastor Ed Newton at Community Bible
Church who says “the only time we
look down on someone is to help
them up. I believe each of these
ministries is doing just that,
helping them up.”
Preston Woolfolk, Co-President DOCUmation
8 www.saBeacon.com November 2018
/www.sadreamcenter.thirddaygeneration.org
/www.last-chance-ministries.org
/www.saBeacon.com