Did not he who made me in the womb make them?  Did not the same one form us both within our mother’s womb? Job 31:15

“The Christmas Village” is the result of a vision of Brenda Van Velkinburgh from a sermon on the sanctity of life by Dr. Phil Walker at Ridgecrest Baptist Church, in Madison, MS.  In January 2004, during his “Sanctity of Life Week” sermon, Brother Phil went through the statistics of abortions in the United States since 1973.  On the way home from church that morning, Brenda told Michael (husband) that she had a business plan that could make an impact on the lives of women. 

Over the next several weeks, research revealed that the majority of women aborting pregnancies were 18-25 concerned with their ability to raise a child.  Most of the reasons given by those surveyed dealt with maturity, career choices, financial obstacles, and life disruption.  Much discussion with area charity organizations, ministers, community leaders, and interested volunteers showed there is a great need for housing.

The more people that Brenda (and by now Michael was enthusiastically involved) spoke with about the possibilities, the more excitement and momentum built.  Professionals were volunteering their services: an attorney, OB-GYN’s, nurses, architects, accountants, and educators.

In April 2005, the business plan had been developed and we held a meeting at Ridgecrest to reveal plans to the community.  Monthly meetings developed a core of dedicated volunteers and supporters that began putting the plan in motion.  It started with a handful of people around one table and has outgrown that first room.

In December 2005, Christmas Village Foundation received its non-profit status (501(c)3) from the IRS which allows us to raise funds.  Our first fundraiser was a compilation of Contemporary Christian Music donated by Mississippi artists who support the sanctity of life.  It is titled Mississippi Rising Stars, Vol I.  In January 2006, on Sanctity of Life Sunday, Rising Stars in Concert was a wonderful and uplifting night of music. 

With the growth of the number of volunteers, The Christmas Village monthly steering committee meetings uprooted and are now hosted each month by a different organization.  The goal of tearing down denominational and racial barriers to provide for the needs of women in crisis pregnancies is succeeding.

In 2006, we had a very successful fundraising year.  Some of the most memorable fundraisers were the Christmas In July and Canton Flea Market.  A temporary location was leased and renovations began on a century-old Victorian in Canton, MS.  Women will take occupancy by late February or early March 2007.

Our immediate needs remain fundraising for an expanded monthly budget.  With the new location our budget now includes food, utilities and rent.   As we house more women, our budget grows with our staff.  We will continue to keep our eyes on the long-term vision of the residential campus in order to meet the growing demand for our services.  We have commitments from churches to build the cottages and future staffing and contract labor in place, so please pray for a land donaor.
 

Please consider helping us with construction costs or land acquisition.  We need 30 acres or more  for completion of The Christmas Village.