More than 400 children and adolescents joined a special service called “The Best Gift,” held at the Casa de Bendición Church of the Nazarene in San Juan de la Maguana, Dominican Republic.

Leaders shared the message of salvation with the children and delivered a Samaritan's Purse box containing toys, books, crayons, and shoes according to their age, among other things.

More than 370 children accepted Jesus as their Lord, and all will enter a discipleship program based on their respective ages. The activity was carried out twice on February 17, since that many children could not be accommodated in a single schedule.

The purpose of “The Best Gift” was to create a connection with the children of the community who are not yet part of the compassionate programs the church supports.

The gospel message was shared by the teachers and pastors of Casa de Bendición, Benny and Yussepy Sánchez. The message was accompanied by a time of entertainment that included sharing about Jesus through songs and dynamic teachings.

Rainielis, a 5-year-old girl from the community of San Juan de la Maguana, was invited by Yussepy to a children's party. She was very excited to attend. Rainielis doesn't live with either of her parents and her aunt, who takes care of her, took her to the party. 

“She was always sad and crying because of her mother's absence,” Yussepy said. 

While at the party, she heard that Jesus loved her and that He has a plan for her life. She recognized Jesus as her Savior that day. She said that the gifts she received were very nice, especially a bracelet in her gift box. But when asked what was her greatest gift, she replied: "Jesus; He will never leave me alone. Jesus sent me this gift."

Casa de Bendición works with more than 700 children and adolescents in its community through Nazarene Compassionate Ministries and various other programs. The children receive comprehensive care that includes medication, and some receive a hot meal every day.

In addition, every Sunday the church welcomes around 400 children from the community to receive a hot meal. Some of the children are already part of the church programs, and all the children receive Bible classes according to their age.

--Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica Region