one graphic designers journey to change a generation

catalog time
In my last newsletter I mentioned it was time once again to complete Gospel for Asias Christmas Gift Catalog. I also mentioned that my co-designer was on a 6 week leave during that time. But praise God everything was completed without a hick-up, and a week later I was able to go on a very relaxing, much needed vacation. Part of why everything was able to get done, in spite of being a man down, was the fact that we didnt do a complete redesign of the catalog. This was the first year we only tweaked the design of the catalog instead of staring over. It was difficult to gauge how much time tweaking things was going to take since we had never taken this approach before. It worked well and I hope it feels familiar but still new.

why love it
I love working on this project for many reasons, one is the astonishing amount of people whos lives are radically changed because of the way the Lord uses this catalog. Their daily existence was once a constant, losing battle against poverty with no hope of change. Then someone gave them a gift that helped them climb out of the endless cycle of poverty and suffering.

example

PRAY FOR ME:

Such was the case for a poor man named Victor. His lot in life was appointed the day he was born. Because of his family heritagehe was born in a low-caste family Victors society deemed him totally worthless. Therefore, Victor would never know anything Praises: I cant say enough about how wonderful my vacation was. My time in but grinding poverty and Ohio with friends and family was such a blessing, as always it went quick, but it was want. There was no hope for so fun. After spending a week in Ohio, my mom and I drove to Michigan where the Lord really blessed us with a beautiful and relaxing trip. an education or even a real job. What Victor didnt know is that a Christian from another part of the world cared for him enough to buy him a water buffalo from the catalog. Pray: The ministrys calender needs to be done asap and my head is still in the
fall colored leaves of Michigan. Pray I would be able to focus on this project.

Victor milked his water buffalo every day and sold some of the milk to his neighbors. He also used a portion of the milk to make a type of cheese that is eaten in almost every household and restaurant in his state. Today, Victor earns 1,800 rupees ($36) a month. For the first time in his life, he

Pray: I would have clarity on how to manage my time. After being on vacation

I realize there are changes I could make in my schedule to better accommodate everything I feel the Lord might be encouraging me to do. But discipline and time management arent my strong suit. Also I think Im allergic to Texas, so even though I came back from vacation with a lot of energy to make changes, everyday since Ive gotten back I woke up congested and tiredand this has been discouraging.

10.11.11

Stephanie Thomas is serving Christ through the ministry of Gospel for Asia.

I really wanted to use this image in the catalog in the letter from K.P section (Victors story which you read on the other side). I thought there was a tenderness in this image you dont see often with livestock. The baby/water buffalo interaction is so charming. Even though it was sweet, I needed the husband in the picture as well, since the story is about him getting the water buffalo as a gift. I was so thrilled to find a picture of this entire family that I could use in the Christmas catalog. . . but there was still one more problem. . . youll have to go get your catalog and look in the inside front cover to figure out what else was missing.
(or go to the blog newblueline.blogspot.com)

earns enough to take care of his family! Victors story is repeated thousands of times over each year as the most destitutethe absolute poorest of the poorreceive gifts from this catalog. It is truly hard to comprehend just how life-saving a simple farm animal or sewing machine can be. Dont you wish you could be there to meet these gift recipients, to see their eyes, filled with tears of gratitude, as they realize there is a God who truly does love them?

who lose the use of their legs suffer greatly in South Asian society. They can no longer walk or ride a bike or a motorcycle, which are the most common modes of transportation in their countries. These tricycles (pictured below) are adapted to be operated with the arms, rather than the legs. So even a person who is lame can still get where they need to go.

what I work for

This is what I work for, so people like Victor can have better lives and the opportunity to know the love of Christ. It is very difficult for me to image the poverty and oppression so many people around the world face. Im thankful that because I am here at Gospel for Asia I get a glimpse into a world that would other wise be dark to me. Plus I get an opportunity to make a change in that worldto shine a light, the light of Christ. You are doing the same thing by supporting me, you are enabling things like this catalog to happen and the gifts from this will be used not only to provide for the needy but to share the love of Christ! Thank you again for those of you who have supported me faithfully. If you dont currently financially support me, I would like to encourage you to pray about committing to a $10 monthly donation. Every little bit makes a difference.

new items
In India, there are no government programs to help the millions of disabled who call South Asia home. Their physical disabilities often prevent them from working, so many end up living on the streets. This year we offered three gifts can help them lead more productive lives. One gift for the needy, that we introduced last year, was a pay telephone. Yes, they are still used throughout Asia. And when a poor family installs a pay phone near their home, they can reap the benefits of its profits for years. Its a way to provide extra income for the entire household.

Few South Asians have a scale in their An Adult Tricycle, a new item in this years catalog. home. When they need to weigh their child, or themselves, they go to the nearest market and find someone who has a scale. A person who is unable to perform many typical manual labor jobs can take this scale to the market and earn money by allowing people to weigh themselves on the scale. For $10, you can provide a scale GO TO THE BLOG! newblueline.blogspot.com and help them feel useful again. This last one was my favorite. People

Thank you and God Bless, Stephanie

I update it, in spurts, but I DO update it so if you havent been there in a while . . . go! Go check it out, see some vacation photos, learn about why I want to be a juggler and all about the beauty of plastic water bottles . . .

I seem to be holding steady at 43%

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Its easy to donate online just go to: WWW.GFA.ORG/HT/STTH

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