Just before Christmas last year, a group of children in the primary class at the Joplin, MO Community of Christ church challenged themselves. They wanted to buy goats and farm animals for Outreach International. They immediately took on the project and started bringing in their pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters and dollar bills. They were all excited about helping others have better lives.

The children’s enthusiasm for goats and farm animals sparked a fire in the congregation. And soon everyone was working together and contributing to the cause. They were making things to sell at a bazaar, hosting a chili feed and bake sale, and more.

The congregation raised enough to purchase four goats, 20 chickens, a piglet, a sheep, a water buffalo, 30 toothbrushes and 10 pairs of shoes. And all from Outreach International’s Sustainable Gifts Catalog. It was a great lesson for everyone. They saw that money of all denominations can make a difference. And, they learned that when we work together, great things can be accomplished.

Story by Dan S.