Cross-Country Move Financially Straps Military Family

Robert and Christina enjoy spending time together with their three kids. They're careful not to take that time for granted because Robert is an Army Staff Sargent and often has to leave Christina and the boys behind for months.

Robert says, "She does a great job with taking care of the household and our family and stuff. It's not as easy as it looks."

Christina replies, "It makes me feel really grateful that he sees me that way, that he does all these things for me and the boys and that we're a team."

Last year, the budget got tight when they transferred from California to Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. They shouldered some expenses the military didn't cover in the move. Then when the weather changed, buying winter clothes for the kids became a priority. That meant, when Christmas rolled around, they wouldn't be able to afford presents. Christina started looking for a job to help out, but hasn't had any success. The couple would have to rely on Robert's single salary.

Christina says, "And we thought financially, how are we going to do this? And I remember just things got so hard emotionally."

Their church, River of Life, heard about Helping the Home Front and asked CBN to step in. We told pastor Chris Phillips, 'Yes!'

Pastor Chris says, "When my staff told me we were going to be able to partner with CBN and Helping the Home Front in the lives of this family, we were very excited because we knew together we would be able to make a life-changing difference."

Just before Christmas, he stopped by to tell them the news.

"CBN and Helping the Home Front have partnered together to send you on a shopping spree. We want you to be able to buy the shoes and winter coasts and clothing that they need. In addition, CBN want to be able for you to get the boys the best Christmas that they ever have. We want you to be able to get their wish list."

The family took a field trip to Sears and the kids picked out clothes they needed, winter coats and new shoes. When Sears heard about Helping the Home Front, they gladly gave the family a deep discount. Then, River of Life Church took the couple to buy the boys presents to open on Christmas morning. This military family's holiday was perfect because CBN partners made holiday dreams come true.

"Thank you to CBN for all you do. My heart is overjoyed...that they would go out of their way to help military families like us."