In December 2004, Banner Editor Bob DeMoor urged readers to “get his goat.” To date, more than 5,500 readers have responded, donating to the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee’s goat programs during the Christmas season.
The goats are just one item in CRWRC’s annual gift catalog. Along with about 30 other items, the goats provide a concrete example of how your gifts can be used to make a difference around the world. The 2006 catalog brought in $972,000 for CRWRC’s ministry.
By far the number-one “seller” was goats for families in Africa, which received $156,000 in donations from Banner readers and others. Donors included Michelle Rozema of Zeeland, Mich., and other girls in her Calvin College dorm; employees at the Dancing Goat Café in Nanaimo, British Columbia, who donated their tips; and students at Southwest Minnesota Christian High School.
People who receive a goat are also required to give back to their community. In most cases, this means donating the first kid from their goat to a neighbor. The goat not only enables them to help themselves but to give assistance to others as well. “We are happy because we can also give,” said one Ugandan widow who received a goat and has now given to others.
To receive a copy of CRWRC’s 2007 gift catalog, see www.crwrc.org, or call 1-800-552-7972 (U.S.) or 1-800-730-3490 (Canada).
