In December I wrote “Tidings of Joy,” describing the joy of giving our Saving Susan and Genesis Elevator community experienced as we showered Christmas blessings on the staff and orphans of our partner orphanages. This event got us to thinking. What better way to bless these orphans even more abundantly than by sharing this joy of giving with them? These children have few chances to give substantial gifts to others. Others have given gifts to them, but most have no allowance or other means of buying gifts.

Inspired by this, Genesis Elevator Company spearheaded an effort to inspire a culture of giving this past Christmas. Instead of sending boxes of chocolates as Christmas gifts, Genesis Elevator made $50 donations in the names of a select group of customers to specific orphans partnered with Saving Susan Ministry. Each orphan was given the opportunity to buy gifts for a special person in their life. After spending the money, each child wrote a thank you letter to the Genesis customer who had given to them. We received so many beautiful letters and pictures, and I’ve included a couple of them below. The love and gratitude of these orphans is palpable through these notes! Our orphans at House of Hope Zacapa had a pizza party and bought Valentine’s Day gifts. Sopheak, from Bileg Solid Rock, gave a gift and a Bible to her professor and the Spirit lead her to share her faith when giving. Other orphans bought clothes, school supplies, and shoes for loved ones. All wrote of giving to someone they love and expressed gratitude for this opportunity.

- Adam Reiley
Operations Manager, Saving Susan Ministry