The Christmas Event is Hope Journey’s annual outreach dedicated to sharing joy, generosity, and the message of Christ with the selected Mission Village.
While many people spend December in the city attending parties and concerts, the Hope Journey community “travels in the opposite direction.” They mobilise hundreds of young Christians to spend their Christmas in a remote, underserved village to provide a holistic “outreach package.”
Each year, we intentionally end our mission cycle by celebrating with the community we have served, especially children and families who may not otherwise experience the fullness of the season.
This is more than a celebration. It is love in action.
What Happens During “Xmas with a Village”?
The event is essentially the moment where all the “Causes” you’ve learned about (5Loaves, St. Luke’s, DorcasBox, Hope Bags) come together in one location. A typical mission lasts about 3 to 4 hours and includes:
- The Big Feast (5Loaves): A massive community lunch where volunteers cook and serve hot meals to the entire village. It’s a celebration designed to make sure no one in that village feels forgotten during the holidays.
- Medical Camp (St. Luke’s): A temporary clinic is set up to provide free consultations and medications. For many villagers, this might be the only time they see a doctor all year.
- The Distribution (DorcasBox & Hope Bags): Families receive boxes of clothing and shoes, and every school-aged child is given a new backpack filled with stationery for the coming school term.
- House-to-House Evangelism: Small teams of volunteers walk through the village, visiting homes to sit with families, pray with them, and share the Gospel.
What We Do
During the Christmas Event, we:
- Distribute food packages and essential school supplies
- Provide gifts for children
- Share a meal together
- Preach the Gospel and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ
We create an atmosphere of dignity, joy, and belonging.
Why It Matters
For many families, Christmas can be financially difficult. For some children, it passes quietly without celebration.
The Christmas Event ensures:
- No child feels forgotten
- Families experience practical support
- The true meaning of Christmas is shared
- The community gathers in unity and hope
It is a reminder that generosity is not seasonal; but Christmas gives us a powerful moment to demonstrate it.
Who Is Involved
- Hope Journey volunteers
- Cause team members
- Associates and friends
- Community leaders
- Children and families from the Mission Village
The entire Hope Journey network comes together to serve.
The “All-Hands” Volunteer Experience
This event is the ultimate test of the 101Gathering‘s planning. As a volunteer, you don’t just “show up”; you are assigned to a specific team (Logistics, 5loaves, St Luke’s, or HopeBags) and work long hours to ensure the village is well-served.
It is often described by members as “exhausting but spiritually fulfilling”, trading the comfort of a city Christmas for a temporal role in a village classroom to serve others.
Recent Mission Villages
The Hope Journey selects a different village each year through a “scouting” process. Here is where they’ve spent their recent Christmases:
2025: Amede (Eastern Region)
2024: Sansami Amanfrom (Eastern Region)
2023: Amartey-Koni (Ada East, Greater Accra)
2022: Dwendwenbadze (Central Region)
The Impact
The Christmas Event:
- Strengthens relationships built throughout the year
- Reinforces our spiritual mission
- Leaves the community with tangible expressions of care
- Closes the year on a note of gratitude and hope
It is not about charity. It is about presence, partnership, and proclaiming the love of Christ.