Five Christmas gift ideas that benefit missions

By Tianna Haas | International

It can be challenging to select gifts for your loved ones – but it’s an instinct born of affection. In Matthew 7:11, Jesus says, “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”

It’s worthwhile to go a step further and consider the impact of your purchases this Christmas. When you trace these goods back to their origin, what do you find? Behind holiday gifts, there’s a long chain of craftspeople, traders and entrepreneurs.

Missional businesses and gospel-centred companies from around the world can connect your generosity with your passion to see God’s kingdom grow. We’ve compiled five Christmas gift ideas that you can add to your list, which will bless the ministry efforts of many.

1. INTO’s ceramic travel mugs

INTO (Illuminating Nations Through Offering an Opportunity) is a missional company that partners with Ecuadorian artisans and promotes fair trade. As INTO shares the love of Christ, they provide long-term support, fair wages in local contexts, cost analysis training, product development, microloans and access to valuable outside markets.

Local potters make INTO’s ceramic products, like this rustic travel mug, by hand. They also carry vibrant textiles, woven accessories and home goods. The coffee or tea aficionado in your life can make good use of a handcrafted INTO cup.

Product listing: INTO’s ceramic mug

Location: Ecuador

2. Nozomi Project’s Sara-style earrings

The Nozomi Project was formed in the wake of Japan’s tsunami and earthquake in 2011. The Takamotos were inspired to turn the wreckage into something beautiful and tell of the restoration found in Jesus. They began to gather the remains of pottery in the streets and transform it into jewellery. Then, they trained Japanese women who didn’t have sustainable incomes to construct these upcycled earrings and necklaces. 

Each of the pieces the women make is one of a kind, like the earrings above, which serve as a sample of the Sara style. Each pair that you purchase will have an original colour and pattern.

Tip: The Nozomi Project has worldwide free shipping.

Product listing: Sara earrings

Location: Japan

3. Leading Across Cultures by James Plueddemann

Diversity in global missions has surged, and former SIM International director James Plueddemann has brought insight into these cross-cultural dynamics. Leading Across Cultures equips the Church for unity by drawing from the leadership approaches in multiple cultures.

Readers who are eager to grow can glean important lessons from this book. Encourage someone this Christmas to navigate societal differences and lead well like Christ.

Product listing: Leading Across Cultures

4. Samaritan’s Purse journals

The international relief organisation, Samaritan’s Purse, commits to share salvation through Christ while tending to critical needs. You might know them by their shoebox ministry, Operation Christmas Child.

Samaritan’s Purse’s online shop features gifts that bear their image mark – which is sure to remind you to live as a good Samaritan. This faux leather journal makes a handy Bible study accessory and an even better Christmas present.

Product listing: Brown journal

5. Wycliffe’s Christmas cards

Wycliffe Bible Translators are intent on providing Bible translations for those who don’t have God’s Word in their own language yet. With approximately 2,000 languages lacking Bible translation, Wycliffe has a considerable task.

Wycliffe’s Christmas cards can carry words of encouragement to your family and friends. Send Isaiah 9:6b and the illustration of peaceful Bethlehem to those near or far.

Product listing: Wycliffe Christmas card

Give a financial Christmas gift

The products above are a tangible way to promote worldwide mission work, but financial gifts are also needed. Will you consider making a donation to a SIM gospel worker or ministry? The following gift guides outline the greatest needs for SIM sending offices.

SIM USA’s 2019 Christmas Wish List

SIM UK’s Christmas Gift Brochure

To donate to other sending offices, visit the donation page.