NEWSLETTER: CHRISTMAS, 2011

Christmas when I was a kid was different for two reasons, first, we were dirt poor and second we did Christmas without China and Walmart. The other day I was looking at the Christmas eye-candy; the festive and brightly colored icons. Bright led lights on a plastic China Christmas tree. I picked up baby Jesus from his little crib and turned him over ... sure enough, he , Mary and the whole crew were made in China.

We generally got a small tree late in the Season; cheap, which means sparse branches and weird shape. But it was a Christmas tree and it was ours, and it smelled good. (It was made in the USA.) We had a few colorful bulbs and our family of three spent time together stringing long strands of popcorn and cranberries which we would wrap around our little Christmas tree. My sister and I always had at least two gifts under the tree, and if my mother had enough money, she would share some so we could buy her a gift too. Poor as we were, somehow, we always had gifts for Christmas morning.

I guess that's why I can empathize with the kids on the other side of the fence. There is just no money for toys when you're struggling just to have food. The economy this year is many worse than it is here in the USA. And many times worse than it was last year. (That's why it's become dangerous.)

Christmas in the world of the poor? Some families will find a bush and decorate it with paper trimmings; under the bush or somewhere in the room will be their small missing and broken nativity scene. If the family has some extra cash they've saved, they will make a big family dinner; rice, beans, tamales and yep. Coca-Cola.

Priorities of the poor? Food comes first, schooling second, and ... well, there's not enough money to worry about third.

This year we plan to bring Christmas to ten different, very poor, barrios, including our street kids in the Zone and a program for the kids in prison, Christmas Eve. That's a big hunk of work for our small staff ... and a hunk of faith when our income this year has been by about 50%

This Christmas our needs are about the same as last year. Simple things. Boys and girls toys. blankets, tarps, children's clothing like shoes and jackets. Packages are appreciated. Money can fit all these slots.

Please check below this newsletter for help on gifts.

At this season the contrast between our two cultures is painfully obvious. A tarp to keep out the rain, a blanket or jacket to keep out the cold. A prayer that our Christmas ministry will be fruitful.

Personal: Many of you receiving this letter are my personal friends, and may not be able to give at this time, but in our ministry we covet your prayers! Every day without an accident, for this old man of 80+ is the result of your prayers. Between prayers or money, prayers would be our priority. If you who pray on my behalf, would like to keep in touch with me personally, I would love to send you an e-mail from time to time as to my needs.

So, please egvont [at] aol [dot] com (CLICK HERE) and send me your e-mail address (and be sure to copy down mine as well). Thanks. (Now, I'll have a Cyber Prayer List)

A Christmas of joy and happiness, is our wish to you and your family!

From Aaron, Von, and the whole Spectrum Team.

If you have yet to join our Spectrum E-mail List, we would love to have your e-address. puts777 [at] msn [dot] com (CLICK HERE) to send Aaron's your e-mail address ... and copy down Aaron's as well.

TOYS AND GIFTS MUST BE UNWRAPPED

WHAT TO SEND US OR BRING US?

  • Boys still love little cars and girls love little dolls.

  • Soccer balls, Basketballs, (not American footballs or baseballs, Mexican kids are into soccer big time.)

  • Children's sweaters, pants, shoes, and socks.

  • Blankets, tarps, and flashlights are good practical gifts for the family.

WHAT NOT TO SEND OR BRING US AND WHY

  • Battery toys are expensive to upkeep, as are cameras.

  • Games that have many parts can be lost quickly; simple is best;

  • No stuff in English, all of these children speak and understand only Spanish so games or books in English aren't understood.

OUR ADDRESS TO SEND PACKAGES:

SPECTRUM MINISTRIES
2610 GALVESTON STREET
SAN DIEGO, CA 92110

(619) 276-1385

And, yes, we are a tax-deductible non-profit organization.

ONCE AGAIN, WE WISH ALL OF YOU A VERY SPECIAL CHRISTMAS SEASON!!!