Mission Makers
Every year, we hope the holidays will be a time of enjoying family, making wonderful lasting memories, and celebrating the gifts that God has given us. Unfortunately, the season does not always go as planned. A mom is struck with a terminal illness. A father loses his job. A grandmother on a fixed income has to start raising her grandchildren. The list goes on.
For 25 years, Christmas Gift Shop, a ministry of the Shelby Baptist Association, has been bringing hope to parents and guardians that cannot afford to provide Christmas gifts for their children. Families are referred or apply for assistance beginning in September. If approved, the parents or guardians are invited to the Christmas Gift Shop in Calera for an individual appointment after Thanksgiving to “shop” for their children with the help of two “shopping buddies.” If a new guest comes to the gift shop, he or she is usually surprised to see how an old doctor’s office has been transformed with decorations hung by volunteers. Former exam rooms are converted into shopping rooms – each uniquely decorated for the target age and gender.
Once guests have chosen gifts for each child in their family, they are led to a living room where they find personalized stockings, wrapped clothing gifts, and other goodies for their family. Chosen gifts are taken to a room to be wrapped by volunteers, and guests are led to a different room for a time of refreshments and prayer. The good news of the Gospel is shared, and guests are given an opportunity to respond. Through Christmas Gift Shop, over 800 adults have received the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ! Many more have been encouraged and connected with local churches and discipleship groups.
Christmas Gift Shop could not happen without the many generous volunteers, prayer warriors, and donors. Every year hundreds give toys, clothing, stocking stuffers, Bibles, and more. The Lord sees every gift and blesses all that are involved. God never ceases to amaze us in how He provides, and we give Him the glory for the 25 years of seeing Him at work through this ministry!
–Rebekah Parr 
Christmas Gift Shop Director
