Saturday 13th of December, 2008 was a day that brought beautiful smiles and loud laughers to 104 Iraqi children between the ages of 4 and 14. H4L’s Christmas program featured “Just for Kids”, a Christian Drama team and also special gifts from “Samaritan’s Purse”.
The program began with “Just for Kids” performing on stage to excited young Iraqis, followed by singing and prayer time led by H4L staff. The kids were almost patiently waiting for their Christmas gifts as they moved on to some refreshments. The bell rang and the hour came for gift distribution when the little ones were standing in line beautifully guessing what could be in those colorful wrapped boxes.
After a short while we could see the wide smiles of the little boys and girls holding their boxes eager to open and find out what is in store for them. The gifts were very special for the Iraqi children whose lifestyles since their departure from Iraq do not allow them to enjoy the Christmas season. The children yearn to be in warm homes with their parents and siblings, playing and enjoying their presents. Indeed, this was a day that embraced these Iraqi refugee children with the warmth of Christmas and the love of Jesus.