The Wenceslas Project 2008
October 1, 2008
It’s hard to believe that Christmas is just around the corner. I was in Cracker Barrel the other day and almost forgot what month is was when I was greeted by mounds of Christmas decorations.
While it’s a bit early to bring out the Christmas tree, it’s not too early to begin planning GTN’s Christmas assistance project, The Wenceslas Project. This year we will again provide Christmas support to local families in need who have qualified through the interview process. The goal of the project is simple, to share grace at Christmas. GTN believes that this is one proper response we as Christians should have to the abundant grace that God has shown each of us. What better response as Christians, those who received the abundant and amazing grace of God, than to spread God’s grace, and what better time of year to do so? The Wenceslas Project was the founding ministry project for Grace to the Nations, and continues to be a great illustration of everything this ministry is about (John 10:16) by connecting the community of believers into the community of need.
We are seeking out sponsors to sign up early so that GTN can get an estimate on how many families we will be able to support this Christmas. Consider making The Wenceslas Project part of your family’s Christmas. It has revolutionized the way our family celebrates Christmas and many other families share the same testimony of The Wenceslas Project helping them restore the meaning of Christ back into their Christmas.
Click here to sign up to support a family this Christmas!
The Wenceslas Project
May 30, 2008
What is the Wenceslas Project? The Wenceslas Project is an opportunity for the community of Grace to the Nations to share Christ’s love by providing Christmas gifts for a Grace to the Nations client family.
How can I get involved? You, your family, Sunday School class, church, civic organization, or business can get involved by signing up to sponsor a needy family. We ask that you sign up any time before November 30th.
When will I receive my adopted family’s information? You will receive your adopted family’s information between November 10th -December 2 (dates are subject to change and we will work with you). This information will include a list of all family members, clothing sizes for each member, the interests of children in the family, and needed household items. We will also provide a list of prayer needs for the family, and ask that you pray for them as you prepare for The Wenceslas Project.
When and where do I deliver my gifts? Gifts should be labeled with the sponsored family’s name and may be dropped off at a GTN collection site before the Project Celebration. Call for directions.
Can I meet my adopted family? Yes! We encourage families to join us at The Wenceslas Project Celebration, TBA
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Why Wenceslas?
May 29, 2008
Good King Wenceslas was the king of Bohemia in the 10th century. Good King Wenceslas was celebrated because of his charitable attempts to give food to the poor. In 1853, John Mason Neale chose Wenceslas as the subject for a children’s song to exemplify generosity. It quickly became a Christmas favorite, even though its words indicate that Wenceslas ‘looked out’ on St. Stephen’s Day, the day after Christmas.
Good King Wenceslas looked out on the feast of Stephen
When the snow lay round about, deep and crisp and even
Brightly shone the moon that night, though the frost was cruel
When a poor man came in sight gath’ring winter fuel.
“Hither, page, and stand by me if thou know’st it, telling
Yonder peasant, who is he? Where and what his dwelling?”
“Sire, he lives a good league hence underneath the mountain
Right against the forest fence by Saint Agnes’ fountain.”
“Bring me flesh and bring me wine, Bring me pine logs hither
Thou and I will see him dine when we bear him thither.”
Page and monarch forth they went forth they went together
Through the rude wind’s wild lament and the bitter weather.
“Sire, the night is darker now and the wind blows stronger
Fails my heart, I know not how, I can go no longer.”
“Mark my footsteps, my good page tread thou in them boldly
Thou shalt find the winter’s rage freeze thy blood less coldly.”
In his master’s steps he trod where the snow lay dinted
Heat was in the very sod which the Saint had printed
Therefore, Christian men, be sure wealth or rank possessing
Ye who now will bless the poor shall yourselves find blessing.
