By Rachel Potter
A Celebration of Love, Generosity, and the Birth of Christ
On Thursday, December 18, a small group from the God Said Go team traveled south to the rural community of El Asintal, Guatemala, to take part in a Christmas celebration that beautifully reflected the heart of the season. What unfolded that day was far more than a program—it was a powerful reminder of how God uses willing hearts, simple generosity, and community to bring joy and hope to children who need it most.
A Vision Sparked by Compassion
This Christmas outreach began months earlier when Susie, Irene’s mother, approached us with a simple but heartfelt idea. She had a burden for the children of El Asintal and wondered if it might be possible to do something special for them at Christmas. Without fanfare or expectation, Susie began collecting teddy bears from second-hand shops, carefully setting them aside with one purpose in mind: to place a tangible expression of love into the arms of a child.
As word spread, more generosity followed. Additional donations came in, allowing for the purchase of other Christmas gifts so that every child could receive something meaningful. What started as one woman’s quiet act of compassion quickly grew into a full community effort.
Family, Fellowship, and Faith in Action
On the day of the event, our team was joined by several members of Susie and Irene’s family—Irene’s aunt, a cousin, her husband, and their three children. Their excitement was contagious. They didn’t come as spectators, but as participants—ready to serve, encourage, and celebrate alongside the children of El Asintal.
Susie, along with members of the local church, went above and beyond to ensure that each child was not only blessed with a gift, but also cared for and welcomed. Chicken sandwiches, a refreshing drink, and a homemade piece of banana bread were lovingly prepared and served to every child in attendance. In a community where meals like this are not always guaranteed, that simple act spoke volumes.
Songs, Laughter, and the Story of Jesus
The program itself was filled with joy from start to finish. Children sang songs, played games, and laughed freely—many of them with a wide-eyed excitement that only Christmas can bring. One of the most meaningful moments of the day was the nativity play, where the true story of Christmas was shared: the birth of Jesus Christ, our Savior.
For these children, many of whom live in challenging circumstances, hearing and seeing the story of Christ told through music and drama was a powerful reminder that God sees them, loves them, and came into the world for them.
170 Children, 170 Gifts, Countless Smiles
By the end of the afternoon, around 170 children had attended the program. Each one received a Christmas gift—many clutching their teddy bears tightly, unwilling to let go. For some, it may have been the only present they received this year. For all, it was a reminder that they are valued and remembered.
Moments like these are why we do what we do. They may seem small in the grand scheme of the world, but in El Asintal that day, they meant everything.
With Deep Gratitude
We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Pastor Walter, Susie, and the entire church family of La Pesca Milagrosa Church for serving with such generosity, and making this Christmas program possible. This was a true partnership—one marked by humility, love, and a shared desire to reflect Christ to the next generation.
As we reflect on this special day, we are reminded that Christmas is not about extravagance. It is about Emmanuel—God with us—and about being His hands and feet wherever He sends us. In El Asintal, on a warm December day, hope was shared, joy was multiplied, and Jesus was honored.
Thank you to everyone who played a role in making this day unforgettable. Your kindness continues to echo in the hearts of 170 children—and far beyond.
