Thank you for joining the effort!

How to Create a Blessing Kit

A blessing kit can be simple yet significant, or more elaborate, depending on your goal.

Simple Version

In a simple zip-lock bag, place the following:

Gospel literature in the language of the refugees / Muslim neighbor
3 dates
1 banana
3 chocolates
Note of blessing
Gospel of John (English and Arabic) – available below free (pay only shipping)
Finally, add a note with your signature – available below free!

Get the Gospel of John Get a Note for Your Kit

Elaborate Version

A more elaborate version of a blessing kit includes everything from the Simple Version placed in a nice basket or box, PLUS:

Loose leaf tea
Mug
Simple gift
Dried fruit
Plant
Homemade baked treats

Get the Gospel of John Get a Note for Your Kit

Add a Note to Your Kit

Finish your kit with a note of blessing, signed with your name, available here for download.
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Simply download, print, sign with your name, and attach to your kit!

Download Printable Note

Add the Gospel of John to Your Kit

Get it free – pay only shipping!

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the most sacred month of the year for Muslims — the Prophet Muhammad reportedly said, "When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of heaven are opened, and the gates of hell are closed and the devils are chained."

Muslims believe it was during this month that God revealed the first verses of the Quran, Islam's sacred text, to Muhammad, on a night known as "The Night of Power" (or Laylat al-Qadr in Arabic).

Why is Ramadan important?

Ramadan allows Muslims to devote themselves to their faith, get closer to Allah and learn patience and compassion. It’s about nourishing your soul, rather than only focusing on your physical body.

It is considered one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which are the foundation of how Muslims live their lives (the others are faith, prayer, charity and pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca). It is important to Muslims since observing the fast results in good works for salvation and blessings for the year.

Fasting is usually done by all Muslims except those who are sick, pregnant, lactating, menstruating, elderly or traveling. Missed fasting days can be made up throughout the year.

When does Ramadan Begin?

The Muslim holy month of Ramadan starts on Saturday, April 2nd, and even amid a global pandemic and political strife, most of the world's 1.8 billion Muslims will observe it in some form.

This means there is a good chance we might encounter someone – a Muslim friend, a coworker, a neighbor, your child's teacher – who will be celebrating, fasting, and doing all sorts of other activities that are unique for Muslims during this time.

Get Involved in the Blessing Kit Project

What is a "Blessing Kit"?

Especially for Afghan refugees, and for all Muslims, this year’s month of Ramadan (April 2 - May 1) comes as an oasis in the desert—something so familiar and deeply rooted in family tradition. There is an openness many Muslims have at this moment in time, but the window will not stay open.

The teachings and life of Jesus are a hope not known among Muslims. Reaching out during a Muslim holiday is a great time for Christ followers to make connection, engage in conversation and even build a friendship with Muslims around us.

The “Blessing Kit” is a simple way individuals can initiate conversations in a way that has meaning for Muslims during Ramadan. Each blessing kit contains items of significance, placed personally in the hands of Muslims, dispelling fears and distance through a simple gesture of friendship. Your church can have a great impact on refugees this Ramadan. Jesus never fails (Acts 17:26-27)!

Significance of Gift-Giving to Break the Daily Fast (Iftar)

When Muslims give Iftar (food to break the daily fast) they do this as a good deed, which they believe will be rewarded on Judgment Day.

It was narrated that Zayd ibn Khaalid al-Juhani said: “The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever gives Iftar to one who is fasting will have a reward like his, without that detracting from the reward of the fasting person in the slightest.”

Many refugees are lonely and consumed by the traumatic feelings of loss. They seek hope but many have never found it. Jesus’ life and teachings are a hope for all nations. Reaching out during this Muslim holiday meets each Muslim where they are.

The “Blessing Kit” will open doors for conversations, place a valuable gift in their hands and dispel barriers through a gesture of friendship.

Why are fresh dates important?

‍It was narrated that Anas ibn Maalik said: The Messenger of Allaah used to break his fast with fresh dates before praying. If there were no fresh dates, then with dried dates, and if there were no dried dates, then with a few sips of water. --Narrated by Ahmad (12265); Abu Dawood, 2356.