'Forgotten Christmas' Brings Hope to Thousands in South Asia through Unconventional Christmas Gifts

CARROLLTON, Texas, Dec. 5, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- Thousands of outcast, persecuted and forgotten people in South Asia will be remembered this year with unique gifts donated through Forgotten Christmas. Opportunities to support poor families with essential but unconventional items are available with online shopping at www.forgottenchristmas.org/get-involved.

Forgotten Christmas (www.forgottenchristmas.org), a compassionate ministry sponsored by Gospel for Asia, benefits not only the recipient but also the giver. For people, even devout Christians, caught in the consumerism overtaking the sacred holiday, remembering "the least of these" that Jesus called His disciples to serve is bringing back the essence of the spirit of Christmas.

"Even as the West is caught up in Black Friday, shopping malls and long lines at cash registers, millions of people are struggling to provide the bare necessities of food, clean water and shelter for their families," said K. P. Yohannan, founder and president of Gospel for Asia. "Forgotten Christmas is one way to supply the needs of the most impoverished while rediscovering the true joy of Christmas."

A pair of chickens for $11 will provide a family 200-300 eggs per year as well as hatchlings for food or for sale. A goat for $70 will produce nutritious milk and one offspring per year. A sewing machine for $85 can change a woman's life, taking her from begging on the streets to fully supporting her family. Bibles, women's literacy training, water purification systems and more can be purchased online through Forgotten Christmas.

Many donations to Forgotten Christmas are being made by individuals to honor their loved ones in addition to or in lieu of their regular gift exchange this year.

Forgotten Christmas is committed to using 100 percent of all monies donated to send these gifts directly to the field.

While families and individuals are purchasing these gifts directly online, churches may also become involved. Free resources, including catalogues for distribution and downloadable videos (www.forgottenchristmas.org/resources), are empowering pastors to encourage their congregations to support their brothers and sisters in need in South Asia.

"The priceless gift of Immanuel, God with us, reminds us how to give to those who need it most," said Yohannan. "Now is the time to remember the persecuted believers, those who have never heard the gospel and those who have newly welcomed it in other parts of the world."

To receive free videos, catalogs and church kits containing other promotional materials, or to make a purchase directly online, visit www.forgottenchristmas.org.

Gospel for Asia (GFA), a Christian mission organization based in Carrollton, Texas, has brought the Good News of Christ to millions in South Asia since its founding in 1978. GFA provides education, meals and healthcare to tens of thousands of South Asia's impoverished children through its Bridge of Hope program. For more information, visit www.gfa.org or on Facebook.

Christian Newswire