Christmas Goats Change Lives in AfricaAida Botoman is a member of the Reformed Church in Mozambique. Her husband became a Christian and joined the church after the family was given two goats, because he "saw the example of the love of God." The Botomans' goats were "alternative Christmas presents" given by members of the Reformed Church. Since 1999, RCA members have purchased more than 12,600 goats for families in Africa through Reformed Church World Service.  The goats are usually given in honor of someone, who is presented with a Christmas card and a small ornament. But the goats are really a gift to the families they go to in Africa, where their milk and meat provide food and extra income. Reformed Church World Service began the Give-a-Goat program in 1999 to replenish the herds of the Orma people in Kenya, who had lost many of their goats during a severe flood. Since then, goats have also been sent to Mozambique, Ethiopia, Malawi, and Niger. In the Reformed Church in Mozambique, 596 goats were originally given to 298 families like the Botomans. But the goats have been giving back--within just a few years, 1,510 offspring had been given to an additional 755 families. In Malawi, the goats went to people who care for AIDS orphans. The goat milk helps feed the orphans and supplements the income of the caregivers so they can afford to offer this care. This year, RCA members can send money to buy goats for families in Sudan who are struggling to rebuild after a 20-year civil war and continuing regional violence. "The Gift of Hope is a great opportunity, not only because of the difference it will make in the lives of those who need it so much, but also because of the difference it will make in the lives of those who share the love of Christ in celebration of his birth," says RCWS coordinator David Dethmers. "It really helps remind us whose birthday it actually is--and how Jesus would have us celebrate it." The RCWS Christmas gift program has gone by different names as the gift options have expanded. Give-a-Goat became Show Your Love in 2001, which became Give a Gift of Hope in 2004. Give a Gift of Hope 2007 will provide goats for Sudan, food for hungry families in the United States, and school supplies for children in need around the world. In addition to goats, the program has provided mosquito nets to prevent malaria in Mozambique, desks and chairs for students in Afghanistan, moringa tree seedlings for malnourished children in Sudan, and olive trees for nutrition and livelihood in Palestine. It also has provided seeds and tools to help displaced people in Darfur get back on their feet, kids' kits for victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and protein supplements for a children's feeding program in Malawi. Posted 11/09/07
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