CHICAGO, IL (December 29, 2011) – This is the time of year when many people are focusing on the new year ahead – making resolutions, anticipating a better year financially and health-wise than the just-concluding year, or perhaps preparing for a new job or relocation to another part of the country.

Planning and anticipating good things to come are wonderful, to be sure. But, for many people around the world, the coming year promises to be no different than the difficult year they have managed to survive. They have no reason to hope that their lives will improve – unless, of course, people who care do something to make a difference.

As Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC) President Gary Walter often notes, “Hope shows up when people who care show up.” And with just two days to go before the close of this year, each of us has an opportunity to be that agent of hope, to be the hands and feet of Christ to a hurting world around us.

The Covenant offers a number of ways for donors to invest in the lives of others and make a difference. And the timing could not be better, given that some of the $32,000 in matching funds as part of the President’s Appeal remain unmatched as of today. “Gifts to the President’s Appeal help to advance the mission of the ECC as we follow the heart of God into the world – impacting more lives through more churches with greater diversity,” Walter notes. “Invest in God’s mission . . . with a gift today, and thanks to a generous donor, gifts given through December 31 will be matched!”

Covenant Cares is another opportunity to support mission work around the world. “These are gifts that change lives,” the purpose statement affirms. “Whether you support a clean water project, provide tuition for a young girl to go to school, or give a farmer the tools to tend a new crop, your gift will make a difference to a person in need. Thank you for joining the Covenant in our commitment to bring the love of Christ to a hurting world.”

To learn more about additional online giving opportunities, visit the mission opportunities page on the Covenant website.

Gifts given through the end of the day December 31 can be claimed as charitable deductions on 2011 income taxes. Checks in support of Covenant mission and ministry should be written and dated no later than December 31 and mailed to the Evangelical Covenant Church, 8303 West Higgins Road, Chicago, IL, 60631. All gifts will be acknowledged for income tax purposes.