Larisa Craig

Serving in the rural areas of western Nevada and eastern California, Larisa Craig puts a lot of miles on her car and brings God’s love to many communities. Primarily leading children’s and youth ministries, Larisa has a great influence on the young people of her field. In the summers, she and a team of summer missionaries conduct Vacation Bible Schools in towns so small that a dozen kids may mean a good turnout. After-school Bible clubs allow her to follow up on children she meets during the summer, and Christmastime is a highlight of her year, as she hosts birthday parties for Jesus in communities across her field.

At these ninety-minute to two-hour parties, children play games, eat cupcakes, hear the Christmas story, and sometimes sing a song or two. The children (and often their parents) each receive a gift box with practical items, such as school supplies and mittens, and a small toy. The gift serves as a reminder of God’s greatest gift to us – Jesus. For many, this gift is the only one they will receive each year.

Originally started as an opportunity to have a second contact with children previously only seen once a year at Vacation Bible School, the birthday parties for Jesus have drawn more and more new families each year. Many of these families have never heard of God’s gift of salvation nor have had any contact with church. Ultimately, Larisa hopes that these birthday parties for Jesus will offer every child and adult in thirty-five communities in California and Nevada the opportunity to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ at least once so they may choose Him as Savior.

Volunteer hours and gifts for children are vital to continue Larisa’s birthday parties for Jesus and other ministries. To find out how you can help, email hidden; JavaScript is required or call (760) 938-3330. Donations as small as $5 can provide a gift that will introduce a child to God’s love. To financially support all of her area ministries, use our online donation form and choose her name from the drop-down box.

To learn how you can lead your own InFaith ministry, contact our ministry director, email hidden; JavaScript is required.