The Gift of Giving

When I was a little boy, I remember many adults saying “it is better to give than to receive.” Later I learned that the Bible teaches the same thing. But in my younger years, I just couldn't comprehend how this could be true. How could it possibly be better to give away a new Nintendo video game console (my dream Christmas present at the time) than to get one?!? My pre-teenage self just couldn't understand it & thought it was complete nonsense.

Fast forward the tape of my life to now. I'm 41 years old, very happily married, a father of two beautiful young girls & an Executive Director of a small nonprofit. All these years have passed & now I find myself literally giving things away on a weekly basis. Not only am I always giving things away to others, but I enjoy giving gifts to others more than most anything else outside of spending time with loved ones. So what changed??? I've come to realize that there's so much more to life than physical possessions. I've also come to realize that it feels significantly better to give to others (especially to those who have less than me), than to get things. Our hearts somehow feel more full & satisfied when we give of ourselves more than they do when we take or receive. The fulfillment & satisfaction of sharing joy or happiness with another person is a priceless gift in itself to the giver. I personally think that's because when we give of ourselves versus when we take for ourselves, we are being just like God. He's a giver of good gifts the Bible says. He's also a generous & kind God Who loves to give His children good gifts & Who also selflessly gave Himself for us as the ultimate gift. So I personally believe that we feel most satisfied & alive when we give like He gives & love like He loves.

​This Christmas season, we invite you all to join in with us during the ultimate season of giving. Find someone who could use some Christmas cheer & give them something to cheer them up. Even if only for a moment or a day. You don't have to give money, things or presents. You can give a smile, a hug, an encouraging text, a kind social media comment, a loving letter or some quality time. There's always a way for us to give & show love to others. We truly hope you'll all join us & see for yourselves all over again, just how full our hearts get when we give. You never know what giving gesture small or large, might be just what someone needed to restore their hope, joy or strength. We as a team, will continue doing our part to give to as many people/families as we can this Christmas. Thank you all for giving prayers, love & support to SSYO. Merry Christmas & GOD bless you all. 
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Sincerely,
Liavaa “Jake” Moevao

Jake Moevao

​Liavaa Iakopo Moevao is known to most as “Jake.” Jake is the Executive Director here at SSYO. Prior to joining the team here, Jake served as a Youth Pastor at Calvary Corvallis & was also involved with coaching high school varsity football at both Santiam Christian & Crescent Valley. Jake is very passionate about doing family & leadership well. Outside of work, Jake loves: spending time with his wife & daughters, hanging out with family, traveling, watching sports, and having time alone to play sports video games.