As Pastor Tommy Smith, Jr. looked around at the Palma Ceia Baptist Church Christmas party for Angel Tree® kids and their families, he was struck by the diversity of the partygoers.
"This was a real cross-section of people," he says, "and it really brought home the fundamental nature of the Church’s mission."
That mission, Smith explains, is to share the love of God with everyone.
"To see so many people making a difference in the lives of those children was just really, really comforting," he says.
For Palma Ceia Baptist Church, partnering with Angel Tree gives them a chance to live out God's love to their community.
"Angel Tree has really done the heavy-lifting," Smith says. "We basically agree to play the hands-on role in getting the congregation involved with procuring the gifts."
Smith encourages other churches to get involved with Angel Tree.
"It is [about] human beings showing love to other human beings," he explains. "And God is behind the whole thing. You really see God working."
To find out more about Angel Tree and how you can get involved, click here.