Your Christmas gift that changed everything
IN A MAJORITY-MUSLIM NATION, YOUR GIFT LED MAMUN TO FAITH IN JESUS
For Mamun, belonging was complicated.
His family was Hindu in a majority-Muslim nation, but even within the Hindu minority, their impoverished community had long been pushed to the margins.
Over generations, they absorbed many of the customs and holidays of their Muslim neighbors, leaving Mamun growing up somewhere between two worlds.
Although they may have been ostracized by more well-off Hindus, they were embraced by the local Christian community, and last holiday season, a pastor brought Mamun and his friends a Christmas present: The Gift That Changes Everything, a holiday-edition Book of Hope that shares the story of the first Christmas and the life of Christ.
“Holding this book made me incredibly happy! Especially because the cover had a picture of a beautiful gift box,” Mamun remembers. “I couldn’t wait to read it!”
That evening, Mamun opened the book and discovered much more than the Christmas story. He read about God’s creation of the world, humanity’s fall into sin and, most importantly, God’s great love for us.
He learned that God sent His only Son, Jesus, to save us from our sins. He read about Jesus’ miracles, His death on the cross, and His resurrection. As Mamun read, he came to understand that Jesus had willingly given His life because He loved him.
“This truth resonated deeply with me,” Mamun says. “I came to know Jesus, who changed everything for me.”
The book didn’t only change what Mamun believed … It changed how he lived. Today, he continues to read the Bible, pray regularly, and learn more about Jesus. And he is eager to share what he has discovered with his friends.
After reading The Gift That Changes Everything, Mamun accepted an invitation to a Christmas celebration at the local church — and brought his friends with him, too.
“We had a fantastic time, singing, dancing, playing games, and enjoying delicious food,” he says.
“Now I share my book with many of my friends, hoping they too will come to know and believe in Jesus Christ as their Savior. The Gift That Changes Everything book has been the greatest gift of my life.”
Thank you for giving Mamun a Christmas gift that changed everything!
LETTER FROM ONEHOPE PRESIDENT
Before the Lights Go Up
It may only be October, but across OneHope, Christmas ministry is already well underway.
In just a few months, children across Asia and around the world will see lights, exchange gifts, attend celebrations, and recognize the familiar symbols of Christmas. Yet many will celebrate without knowing why Christians celebrate at all.
Think about that for a moment.
A child may recognize the star without knowing where it leads. They may receive a gift without hearing about the greatest gift. They may celebrate Christmas without knowing Jesus.
That creates an extraordinary opportunity for the Gospel.
Christmas brings an openness and curiosity that may not exist at other times of the year. In communities shaped by Buddhist, Hindu, and Muslim traditions, local churches have the rare opportunity to invite children and families to celebrate with them and share the real reason for the season: the birth of Jesus.
And our teams and local church partners are already preparing. Through Scripture programs, films, digital experiences, schools, and community outreaches, they will meet children within their own cultures and invite them to discover the story behind the celebration.
As you’ll see in the pages ahead, that first discovery changes everything.
Through your partnership, millions of children and youth will have the opportunity this Christmas to discover that the greatest gift isn’t found under a tree.
It’s found in Jesus.
Cambodia: Christmas (and you!) gave Nakin courage
Nine-year-old Nakin was so shy that the thought of being around strangers at Sunday school made him nervous.
Then, a Christian church offered a Christmas celebration for neighborhood children. Nakin went and received a Christmas-themed Book of Hope, telling the story of Jesus.
He admired how boldly Jesus spoke to people. “Jesus was brave,” Nakin thought. As Nakin decided to follow Jesus, he discovered that Jesus was making him brave, too!
Today, Nakin attends Sunday school, leads in prayer, and invites his friends to church.
Through Christmas in Asia outreach, you give the true story of Jesus to children who are surrounded by Christmas — but don’t know why we celebrate it.
She celebrated Christmas — but never knew why!
Christmastime for Rimsha in the Christian community where she lives, in a Muslim nation, is her favorite time of the year. She loved getting new clothes, toys, and money, but she never knew why they celebrated it.
Then last year, through Christmas in Asia, you reached out to her neighborhood with a holiday celebration and the Superbook series about the birth of Jesus …
“That day, I felt a new kind of joy inside me. Not because of gifts or new clothes, but because I finally knew the real reason for Christmas. I am so happy that I got to know Jesus personally,” Rimsha says.
Thank you for sending God’s Word to show her the true meaning of Christmas and introduce her to Jesus!
Jesus wants a personal relationship
Sadia lives in a majority-Muslim nation with a very small population of Christians.
Last Christmas, her life took a remarkable turn, thanks to a book called The Gift That Changes Everything. It introduced her to the story of Jesus in a way she had never understood before.
Saida says …
“I came to know about the birth of Jesus and its deep significance. Although Jesus is the King of kings, He chose to be born in the humblest of circumstances, showing us that God values every one of us equally.
“Before reading this book, my understanding of faith and salvation was limited. However, The Gift That Changes Everything opened my heart to the incredible love of God …
“I now realize that Jesus is not just a historical figure but a personal Savior who loves me and desires a relationship with me.”
Thank you for showing Sadia the way to new life in Christ!
Christmas in Asia:
SHARING THE GREATEST GIFT
Across Asia, Christmas creates a unique opportunity to share the Gospel. Children may recognize Christmas trees, music and celebrations without ever hearing why Christians celebrate: God sent His Son, Jesus, to bring hope and salvation.
In many parts of Asia, Christians are a small minority, and many children have little or no opportunity to hear the Gospel. Yet even where the Christian message is unfamiliar or sometimes opposed, Christmas is widely recognized, creating a natural opportunity to introduce children and families to the true story behind the celebration.
That’s where Christmas in Asia comes in.
Working alongside local churches and ministry partners, we equip believers with Scripture resources and culturally relevant tools to reach children and youth where they already are.
A Book of Hope may be placed in a child’s hands at a school or community event.
Churches may use Christmas videos, dramas, games, and Bible activities to engage young people and open the door to Gospel conversations.
And digital programs can bring the Christmas message to children and families who may never walk through a church door.
These resources are adapted for different cultures and age groups, helping local believers communicate the unchanging message of Scripture in ways young people can understand and embrace.
But the goal is more than a Christmas event or a book. Local churches are able to follow up with children who respond, helping them learn more about Jesus and grow in their new faith.
You are making these Gospel opportunities possible.
Your prayers and faithful support are helping OneHope and its partners prepare to reach 1,750,500 children and youth this Christmas season.
Together, you can help children who know the Christmas holiday discover the hope of the Christ of Christmas.
Christmas in Africa!
A CHRISTMAS GIFT OPENED THE DOOR
In a remote community near the Mozambique border in Eswatini, Christmas brought something these children desperately needed: a reminder that they are seen and loved.
The Dvumane community is so isolated that residents may walk miles for basic necessities. Many children walk barefoot to school, without the supplies they need to learn.
Last Christmas, 150 children received gift boxes through Operation Christmas Child, in partnership with Samaritan’s Purse, filled with practical gifts like sandals, school bags, towels, toothbrushes, toys, pens, and pencils.
Each box also contained a The Greatest Gift Book of Hope, giving children something even more precious: God’s Word.
The children were thrilled. But then they wanted more. They wanted to hear more about this Jesus who cared for them.
What began with a Christmas gift became something much bigger. The Gospel took root in the community, and a new church was planted. Today, believers gather for worship beneath a tree on the school grounds. A teacher even walks four hours each week to help serve this growing congregation.
-
OneHope Team
- 22 Oct 2026
October 2026 Global Report
Your Christmas gift that changed everything IN A MAJORITY-MUSLIM NATION, YOUR GIFT LED MAMUN TO FAITH IN JESUS For Mamun,…
-
- 21 Sep 2026
September 2026 Global Report
HELD BY GOD: Agnes’ Journey to Hope Growing up in a Muslim-majority country, Agnes was surrounded by a loving Christian…
Leave a Reply