What does Christmas have to do with chaos?
What if you took the money you could have spent on ONE present or ONE party and instead helped give someone a HOUSE for Christmas?
Each year, Americans spend $450 BILLION to “do Christmas.” We decorate everything, buy lots of food, throw parties, get gas for the trip to grandma’s house… and the more diligent among us buy Christmas cards (and the stamps to send them).
And then there are the presents! My goodness, the PRESENTS.
Sure, these can all be fun parts of the Christmas season. But while the crowds around us focus primarily on lines, to-do lists, and what they might GET, what if we took a second to consider GIVING to those we’re tempted to ignore? And what if we got our friends and families involved in responding to the words of 1 John 3:17:
If someone has enough money to live well
and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—
how can God’s love be in that person? (NLT)
Instead of simply joining the crowds, we can join a conspiracy. In the midst of CHAOS, we can change lives.
Together, we have the chance to do something substantial for individuals in Dallas and in the nation of Haiti. This year’s Watermark Conspiracy asks you to donate funds – along with participating in other ways – to help build homes and rebuild people’s lives!
BUILDING HOMES TO HELP REBUILD LIVES…
…in Haiti
After the nation of Haiti was devastated by the major earthquake of January 2010, Watermark Church began partnering with a ministry already loving that nation (Mission of Hope – Haiti) to help bring hope and order in the midst of unbelievable chaos. One of MOH’s many outstanding efforts involves building homes for Haitian families in need, including those whose homes were lost in the earthquake. This year’s Watermark Conspiracy will help MOH reach its goal of building 500 homes in two years - within a community that will include a church, school, marketplace, gardening areas, and more.
Each house Mission of Hope builds costs only $6000! So we have the chance to give a substantial number of homes – and to help numerous Haitian families continue to rebuild their lives. And while not all of us can buy somebody an entire house, how many gallons of paint, doors, or bathrooms could you give for Christmas?
- 1 Gallon of Paint: $5.60
- Nails for one house: $23
- Trees for one house: $50
- Window: $72
- Door: $80
- Foundation: $105
- Entire Porch: $325
- Bathroom: $726
Here’s a great video highlighting how Mission of Hope is transforming a hurting nation – including through Homes.
…and in our own backyard
This year’s Watermark Conspiracy will also help our partner 2ndSaturday reach lives, restore hope, and redeem communities in the poorest areas of Dallas.
Ahommed is a 28-year-old former felon. He came to Christ six years ago and is emerging as a key leader in West Dallas, working fulltime for Second Saturday’s LandCare and Homes divisions and actively discipling young gang members seeking to leave that lifestyle. However, Ahommed still lives with his mother, a lifelong addict, and two brothers who are active in the criminal world. 2ndSaturday would like to provide Ahommed with an affordable house of his own in order to increase his opportunities for personal growth in the Lord and for ministry to others.
This year’s Conspiracy will further help 2ndSaturday employ other former gang members and former drug dealers.
“Ms. Julie” was born and raised in West Dallas. Despite her disability, this faithful believer volunteers in her community and church, and she’s widely known and loved across West Dallas. 2S Homes installed a new roof last December, but Ms. Julie’s house still needs major restoration work.
Finally, 2ndSaturday hopes to purchase former crack houses, brothels, and similar units. From out of former chaos they will create Discipleship Houses, where local men can live and be discipled.
See the video below to hear how 2ndSaturday connects building homes and rebuilding lives… And in the second video, you can “meet” Ms. Julie and Ahommed (starting at the 2:50 mark, or start it from the beginning to see more about 2ndSaturday).
