‘A Gift of Grace’ connects community with gospel

Last December, Ministerio Familia de Dios in Phoenix did something new.

For years, the church had distributed turkeys in November to help families during Thanksgiving. But leadership noticed the outreach was no longer reaching as many people as before. Rather than continue with what felt familiar, the congregation chose to take a step of faith.

Something new

In 2025, they shifted their focus to a Christmas toy distribution called Un Regalo de Gracia (A Gift of Grace).

“Somos un grupo pequeño pero pensando hacer algo grande para Cristo,” Pastor Isaac Aviles said. “We are a small group, but we are thinking about doing something big for Christ.”

The plan

Planning began eight months in advance. A church member offered a large home to serve as storage space, where toys were collected, organized and prepared. Volunteers spent hours sorting gifts, building shelves and setting up systems.

“We spent hours organizing toys together,” Aviles said. “It strengthened the church.”

Social media videos helped spread the word about the event, extending the invitation far beyond the church walls.

The event

Un Regalo de Gracia was held outdoors at the church property to make it visible and welcoming to the surrounding community. Multiple stations were set up, including registration, food distribution, toy pickup and a Santa Claus photo area for families.

About 80 children were served during the event.

The outreach became a broader community effort as well. A local company donated two bicycles to raffle, adding to the celebration and reinforcing a shared commitment to help families in the area.

But the greatest impact was spiritual.

About 80 kids were served during Un Regalo de Gracia, which included toy distribution, food and a Santa Claus photo spot. During the outreach and in a follow-up service, about 36 people responded to the gospel with professions of faith.

Community impact

During the outreach and in a follow-up service that included a clear gospel presentation by Aviles, families were invited to respond. By the end of the event, about 36 individuals had made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ.

The church was quick to make those connections, and now new families are attending regular services, Aviles said.

For Aviles, the gospel impact confirmed the church’s decision to pivot. What began as a practical adjustment in outreach strategy became an opportunity for eternal transformation.

“We wanted to reach more people,” he said, “not just give something away, but connect with families.”

Congregational impact

The shift did more than impact the community. It revitalized the congregation, Aviles said.

Members saw how obedience, even in small churches, can produce significant fruit. Serving side by side strengthened unity. Hosting the event outdoors demonstrated openness. Conversations that began over toys and food continue inside Sunday services.

What started as a first-year experiment became a defining moment for Familia de Dios. The church did not grow in size overnight, but members agree it grew in vision, confidence and purpose.

A small congregation chose to think big for Christ, and Phoenix felt the difference.

Anna Zeledón, a freelance writer living in Glendale, is a member of Iglesia Bautista Central, Phoenix.