This Christmas, as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Focus on the Family invites you to Be the Hands and Feet of Jesus on earth. As Christians, we are called to help others and lead them into the light of Christ by being His shining example to those around us. This season of faith and giving, we are offering you this free resource kit to help you to Be the Hands and Feet of Jesus to those in your community— and around the world. We’ve gathered the best resources to help you and your family live your faith this Christmas—uplifting letters, practical ideas for serving, thought-provoking books and magazines, information from our friends at Operation Christmas Child® and more. So dig in and get inspired! You and your family may be the only Jesus that a person in need will ever meet.

SERVING AS A FAMILY Make Giving a Part of Everyday Living������������������� 4 Ideas for Serving as a Family�������������������������������� 5 Family Devotional������������������������������������������������� 5 Free Magazine Subscription���������������������������������� 5 Advent Calendar�������������������������������������������������� 6 SERVING AS A COUPLE Ideas for Serving as a Couple������������������������������� 8 Serving Together as a Couple�������������������������������� 8 Making an Impact in Your World���������������������������� 8

SERVING THROUGH OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD Follow Your Box Around the World����������������������� 13 Host a Packing Party������������������������������������������ 14 CARING FOR ORPHANS Daily Prayer Calendar����������������������������������������� 16 Be a Blessing����������������������������������������������������� 18 Creative Ideas���������������������������������������������������� 18 Oliver Twist�������������������������������������������������������� 19 Excerpt from ReFocus: Living a Life that Reflects God’s Heart������������������������������������ 20

SERVING FOR KIDS Children’s Magazines����������������������������������������� 10 Kids Like You����������������������������������������������������� 10 Build a Box�������������������������������������������������������� 11

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SERVING AS A FAMILY

Make Giving a Part of Everyday Living.............4 Ideas for Serving as a Family�������������������������5 Family Devotional������������������������������������������5 Advent Calendar�������������������������������������������6

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yday Living Make Giving a Part of Ever by Dean Ridings

of everyday living. In sought to make giving a part we up, g win gro re we n ldre more blessed to give As our four chi the truth of Jesus’ words, “It is in aga and e tim red ove disc the process, we’ve than to receive” (Acts 20:35). ted with our neighbors. far to find places to give. We star k loo to e hav n’t did I and , the families My wife, Kim deliver them via red wagon to and up m the k pac s, die goo h so hard to We would bake fres the cookies that they worked as t firs at ed fus con bit a re we on our street. Our kids on our neighbors’ faces they learned to love the smiles t Bu es. kag pac gift o int nt we prepare come delivery time. ational college ring Christ’s love with intern sha to ted ica ded ion zat ani We learned about an org meals, events and the like. iendship partner” families for “fr h wit m the g tin nec con by students ny nations. Our family our home to students from ma ned ope e hav we rs, yea the pared in the Throughout nds made us a special meal pre frie new our of e som en wh it especially enjoyed Japanese tradition. . Our family donated ties through our local church uni ort opp of t hos a red ove the church took We also disc brought canned goods when ays alw and try pan d foo rch supplies for the chu s ran low. al charities when their supplie loc for n tio lec col l cia spe a up uld provide gifts to needy to give. Each year our kids wo e tim l ura nat a ved pro s ma aritan’s Purse ® Finally, Christ Angel Tree program or the Sam t jec Pro p’s shi low Fel son Pri er as a family children through ® zations helped us come togeth ani org ese Th . ild Ch s ma rist ministry, Operation Ch re particularly helpful when ed gifts together. Our kids we app wr and d cte sele d, ppe sho as we know exactly what they ir own age. (They seemed to the n ldre chi for s gift g ctin it came to sele would want.) lowship and Operation fact that the folks at Prison Fel the by d age our enc re we rts comic book or pamphlet Our hea Christ’s love in the for m of a of ion ect refl a ed lud inc ild Son, Jesus. Christmas Ch ut the greatest gift of all, God’s abo nts ipie rec ng you the tell with each gift to h year, our family included a ngs on the fireplace mantle eac cki sto our g hun we en wh t, an angel, a brochure, In fac ing to remember our gifts by— eth som ced pla we it In s. Jesu name. stocking for , we gave them to others in His His re we s gift se the se cau Be . an advertisement rby and around d the great needs there are nea “All this helped us to understan e us the gav Becca, now a young adult. “It the world,” says our daughter ers. It’s part of had blessed us with to bless oth opportunity to use what God today.” who we are and what we do Focus on the Family. Dean Ridings is on staff with

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Ideas for Serving as a Family One of the best ways that we can model God’s love is through our good works for others. Think of ways that you can all work together as a family to serve the people of your community. Invite your children to offer their own ideas—you may be surprised at what they come up with. Here are some suggestions: • Organize a canned food drive at your church. • Volunteer as a family at your local food bank. • Bring an elderly neighbor a gift box packed with treats. • Have older children volunteer to do yard work for elderly neighbors. • Invite a single soldier to a holiday dinner. • Volunteer to care for a soldier’s pet while they are deployed. • Make cards for military members overseas. • Sponsor an orphan overseas. • Create care packages for teens in local group homes. Include toiletries, candy, MP3 gift cards (can be as little as $5), hats, gloves, etc.

Family Devotion: You Can Work as a Family to Serve Others VIsit ThrivingFamily.com for great content like this short and practical devotional. Click here or scan the QR code to read the devotional.

Free Magazine Subscription! Thriving Family® magazine is your go-to resource for all things marriage and family. From helpful tips on strengthening your relationship to fun and simple craft projects for you and your kids, Thriving Family is a great way to make every day count. And the best part? It’s absolutely free! In every issue, you’ll get: • age-specific parenting advice • faith-based family activities • marriage tips • book reviews • support for single parents and blended families • and much more! Click here, scan the QR code or call 800-A-FAMILY to start your FREE subscription today!

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Knowing Him by Name vent Activity Calendar The Thriving Family 2012 Ad

family for were little, we’ve gathered as a Since our sons, Trent and Troy, t’s been tha Christmas season. Some years, a devotional time dur ing the for all of grown older, it’s become easier daunting, but as the boys have the sun, ristmas morning, we rise with Ch on en Th d. use foc p kee us to es. Traditions feast of red and green pancak open gifts and enjoy a breakfast esh our refr ily, but we’re always eager to are an integral part of our fam perspective on Christmas. ed of the true ns of this past year, I’m remind Through all the ups and dow es, but the colorful presents and pancak reason behind the season—not that gives g. The birth of Jesus is the gift the story of the newbor n Kin tanding boys to have a genuine unders our nt wa I and s, gift all to ng meani a manger. ived as a baby and was laid in of the mighty Savior who arr s and His role in our lives. I want them to truly know Jesu Advent sent The Thriving Family 2012 As a father, I’m pleased to pre season with the h t way to journey throug calendar, a practical, convenien we’ll and teaches the names of Jesus, your children. This year’s theme racter and erent names to describe the cha focus on how Scr ipture uses diff h-based our calendar are filled with fait of es pag e Th . ior Sav the of role tanding of ldren develop a deeper unders activities that will help your chi ah, the Jud of Word, the Lion of the Tribe the identity of Jesus. He is the Lamb of God! ivities, the Scr iptures and enjoy the act As you and your children study nt night sile t tha erstanding of Jesus and of I hope you will gain a new und in Bethlehem.

Jim Daly

Click Here or scan the QR code to download the Advent Calendar, which includes more service ideas for your family.

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SERVING AS A COUPLE

Ideas for Serving as a Couple...........................8 Serving Together as a Couple�������������������������8 Making an Impact in Your World���������������������8

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Ideas for Serving as a Couple One of the best ways to make every day count with your spouse is the gift of time. And spending time together serving others can help you and your spouse grow closer than ever before—and it’s simpler than you might think. • Work in a soup kitchen, food bank, rescue mission or homeless shelter. • Volunteer as Salvation Army bell ringers. It can take as little as an hour, but it means a lot. • Adopt a military family, especially when a spouse is deployed. • Host a Christmas open house. A bag of pretzels, a can of peanuts, a plate of cookies and something to drink are all you need. Caring enough to reach out to your neighbors is what really matters. • As an extra way to touch the world during the holidays, participate in Operation Christmas Child. • You can also buy a pig or goat for a needy family through SamaritansPurse.org.

Serving Together as a Couple In this insightful article series by Susan Mathis, co-author of Countdown for Couples: Preparing for the Adventure of Marriage, you’ll find excellent tips and advice for building a stronger marriage through acts of service. Click here or scan the QR code to read the article now.

Susan Mathis and her book Countdown for Couples: Preparing for the Adventure of Marriage

Making an Impact in Your World In this broadcast, Jim Daly and John Fuller share inspiring examples of everyday people in everyday situations who, by simply living out their faith, are making a big impact on the world around them. Use these examples for inspiration to serve in your own communities this season.

Click here or scan the QR code to purchase this book.

Click here or scan the QR code to listen to the broadcast now.

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SERVING FOR KIDS

Children’s Magazines...................................10 Kids Like You����������������������������������������������10 Build a Box�������������������������������������������������11

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y name is Alina. Before I was born, my mama started packing shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child with her mama (my grandma). The first time I helped pack a shoebox, I was just a toddler. Now I am 7, and I still like to pack shoeboxes. In June, I had a lemonade stand so I could earn my own money for the Operation Christmas Child project. In four

hours, I made $42! We went to the dollar store, and I found all kinds of small gifts. In the girl’s shoebox, I put bracelets and necklaces, barrettes, headbands, soft socks, a toothbrush, toothpaste, teddy bear, ball, candy, pencil, kaleidoscope,

markers and pink boots! I filled four shoeboxes for boys because Grandma said not as many people pack boy boxes. The boys got things like a small football, flashlight, stuffed dog, toothbrush, toothpaste, mini Frisbee, Play-Doh, a poncho and a coloring book! I taped a letter and a picture of my family under each lid, and we prayed for the kids who would get our boxes. I like doing Operation Christmas Child because we’re helping kids know about God’s love. It’s important for them to learn about God so they can go to heaven.

Children’s Magazines Focus on the Family Clubhouse® and Focus on the Family Clubhouse Jr.® magazines Kids can serve others, too. On this page and the next you’ll find sample content from Focus on the Family’s great children’s magazines. And now you can get a special deal on a one-year subscription to Clubhouse or Clubhouse Jr. for just $10—nearly 50% off the regular rate! Click here, scan the QR code, or call 800-A-FAMILY to learn more now.

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Search down, across and diagonally to find gifts you can pack in an Operation Christmas Child shoe box: Ball coMB crayons doll GuM KaZoo note

Did you know . . . • Since it began, Operation

Christmas Child has handdelivered more than 100 million shoe-box gifts to hurting kids around the world.

• If one year’s shoe-box gifts were

stacked on top of each other, they would stand 146 times taller than Mount Everest! (Mount Everest is the world’s tallest mountain at 29,035 feet.)

• Shoe-box gifts travel by truck,

boat, plane, bicycle, helicopter, donkey, dogsled, elephant and even oxen!

PaPer Pencils Photo soaP socKs toothBrush toothPaste

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SERVING THROUGH OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD ®

Follow Your Box Around the World����������������13 Host a Packing Party�����������������������������������14

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box with toys, school supplies and hygiene items. Pray for the child who will receive your box.

AND PRAY 1 PACK Fill a shoe

It only takes $7 to get me around the world!

Go to samaritanspurse.org/ occ and fill out the Follow Your Box form. Print out the custom girl/boy label we email to you and affix it to the top of your box.

2 GIVE ONLINE

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FOLLOW YOUR BOX

Give Online to

one of more than 3,200 drop-off locations nationwide. From there, the boxes are transported to regional processing centers and prepared by volunteers for shipment overseas.

OFF YOUR BOX 3 DROP Bring your filled box to

shoe box gift has been shipped, you will receive an email notifying you of the country destination of your box.

YOUR BOX 4 FOLLOW Once your

your mobile device to donate online. You will receive an email with your custom printable Follow Your Box label.

GET STARTED! Scan the QR code with

Build a Box Online Bless a needy child by giving a shoe box gift online. You will select your age and gender, then choose from a selection of toys, hygiene items and school supplies to go in your box. You can even write a letter and upload a photo. Then, your box will be on its way to a child in need! You can also gift the Build A Box fun to friends and family!

Click here or scan the QR code to learn more now.

How to Pack a Box We have all the tips and tricks you need to give your Christmas Child an amazing box filled with gifts and inspiration. Click here or scan the QR code to read the article now.

Shoe Box Scripture Treasure Give a child in need the best gift of all—the knowledge of God’s everlasting love— through a handmade Scripture keepsake that you and your kids can make together. Click here or scan the QR code to learn more now.

Stationery Kit You can become a pen pal to your Christmas Child! Learn what it’s like to live in their country and tell them about life where you live. You can make it easy for your sponsored child to write back to you by creating a stationery kit to put in their box. Supplies: • Paper • Pens and pencils • Self-addressed, stamped envelopes (and a few blank ones) Be sure to send your child a letter with their package so that they know you want to be pen pals. Tell them about your family, friends and things you like to do in your spare time. And be sure to ask lots of questions about them!

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CARING FOR ORPHANS

Daily Prayer Calendar����������������������������������16 Be a Blessing����������������������������������������������18 Creative Ideas���������������������������������������������18 Oliver Twist�������������������������������������������������19 Excerpt from ReFocus: Living a Life that Reflects God’s Heart�����������������������������20

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Daily Prayer Calendar

Perhaps the best place to start is on our knees, crying out to a Holy God on behalf of these children, their birth families, their foster families and their social workers. The easy-to-use prayer calendar on the next page will help you and your family remember to pray for kids in need of forever families—as well as the churches, agencies and partners involved in the process. Prayers within the calendar are from the “Foster Care Prayer Guide” by the Cry of the Orphan™ collaborative campaign.

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The National Foster Care Prayer Vigil was created to call followers of Christ wherever they are to ask the God of the Universe to do great and mighty things on their behalf. He hears our prayers, and we know He will answer our plea for these precious children and for the people who love and care for them.

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Children come into the United States foster care system for various reasons, including neglect, abuse, abandonment and substance abuse by their primary caretakers. Historically, the church has cared for children such as these out of obedience to God’s repeated mandate to care for the marginalized. However, many Christians today are simply unsure of what they can do to make a difference.

he rage t , encou justice less; k r e e e h S t ! a e f ight ) e of th to do r e caus :17 (NIV “Learn end th a ia h 1 f s e I D .” . w d do se i s e w r e p h p o se of t the ca plead

Supplies: • Two hands for prayer • Caring heart for orphans • A place to hang the calendar Instructions: Print one calendar per month (you can find the calendar on the next page), then fill in the month and days in the blank spaces provided. Hang the calendar on your refrigerator or mirror to remind you and your family to say a special prayer each day.

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DAILY PRAYER CALENDAR | GET INVOLVED | 16

DAILY PRAYER CALENDAR | GET INVOLVED | 17

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Pray for current foster parents, that they would not lose heart and that they would be diligent in seeking justice for the children in their care.

Pray that more and more church leaders would respond to the needs in foster care and would actively engage in the child welfare system.

Pray that God would provide what is necessary for our state’s social workers to do their jobs well, and that lawmakers would continue to provide funds for the system to operate effectively and in a way that is best for the children.

Pray that God would raise up an army of godly foster parents who are equally committed to reunification and adoption when necessary, trusting God alone for the outcome He desires.

Pray that God would raise up people in many churches to launch ministries for orphans and waiting children, and that many of these ministries would become engaged with the child welfare system.

Pray that God would encourage our state’s social workers, that they would experience great joy in their work and that they would not grow weary in doing good.

Pray that God would intervene in the lives of other at-risk families, and provide them with mentors who can help prevent the removal of their children in the first place.

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves [...] Proverbs 31:8a NIV

Ask God to show you ways you can speak up for others in this next week.

When they had entered the city, they went up to the upper room where they were staying; [...] These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer [...] Acts 1:13-14 NASB

Pray for the thousands of young adults who have “aged out” of the child welfare system, that they might still find a Christian forever family, that they might find mentors, and that they would come to know Jesus.

Pray that God would transform these children’s lives and hearts and that they would be able to forgive those who have wronged them.

Pray for the families of the workers, that the overwhelming realities they experience each day will not prevent them from giving 100 percent at home.

Pray that these children would experience God’s love through the love and care given to them by all involved in the child welfare system.

Pray that the children in the foster care system would come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face continually. Remember His wonders which He has done, His marvels and the judgments uttered by His mouth [...] Psalm 105:4-5 NASB

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Pray that believers all over the state would be consumed with compassion for the children in foster care, and would make themselves available for how God wants to use them.

Pray that potential adoptive families will step forward and not grow discouraged while waiting to become qualified to adopt children in our state.

Pray that the workers will seek justice for everyone involved.

Pray that God would raise up laborers to fill every void: judges, attorneys, guardians ad litem, social workers, court appointed special advocates (CASA), support staff, therapists and others.

Pray that God would provide each of these children with a “forever family,” and that God would prepare the hearts of these children to be ready for the families He will provide them.

Pray that believers in our state would be unified in Christ and that our unity around this issue would draw others to Him.

[...] they help each other and say to their companions, “Be strong!” Isaiah 41:6 NIV

My soul, waits in silence for God only, for my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be shaken. On God my salvation and my glory rest; the rock of my strength, my refuge is in God [...]

Pray that God would draw these workers to Himself, that their motivation might be rooted in the Gospel and its ability to do the impossible and transform lives.

Pray that God would open doors to keep sibling groups intact or in contact with one another as they grow up.

Ask God what He would have us do in the future in relation to the foster care system and the children and families it serves.

Pray that families who have already adopted children from foster care would have wisdom and would experience God’s grace as they parent their children.

[...] Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Psalm 62:5-8 NASB

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress [...] James 1:27 NIV

Pray that God would heal the deep hurts these children have experienced and protect them from future harm.

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8 NASB

Pray that foster families would have the ability to see these children as they see their biological children—as gifts from God that deserve to be cared for in the best way possible.

Pray that God would draw these children’s biological families to Himself and that they would experience the life transformation that will allow them to parent their children well.

Pray that God would move more Christians to launch careers in the child welfare system.

I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me? Jeremiah 32:27 NIV

Be a Blessing Just because you can’t bring a child in foster care into your home doesn’t mean you can’t make a difference in their lives! There are countless ways to be a blessing to kids in foster care. Volunteering, donating and encouraging others are only the beginning of your journey to bringing smiles to the faces of waiting kids in your community. Working with your local human services division or other licensed child placing agency is the best way to get connected. For more information on agencies and ministries in the your area, click here.

Creative ideas and activities for the whole family to get involved! • Pray regularly for the kids in foster care, the social workers in your city and the judges and caseworkers that are making decisions on behalf of children and youth. • Volunteer at your county’s child welfare office. • Clean up the playground at the county child welfare office. • Surprise county child welfare staff with baked goods or lunch once a month. • Create and donate “care” bags with items such as toothbrushes, soaps, shampoo and something comforting—a hand-knitted blanket or small stuffed animal.

• Volunteer to be a mentor to a child in foster care. • Offer to take a group of kids to a local matinee. Ask about discounts and specials for non-profits/community members in need.

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• Encourage teens to get certified to provide babysitting or respite care to kids in foster care. Work with your local child welfare office or licensed agency to do this. (This is easy for adults too, not just teens!)

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• Host a “drive” for in-need kids items like backpacks, books, toys, games or art supplies. (Ask your local contacts what they need!)

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• Donate items such as cosmetics, hygiene products, pre-paid cards for music downloads, or new or gently used books to local group homes.

“The Sp irit yo u receiv adoptio ed brou n to so ght abo nship. ut your Father.’” And by him we Rom. 8:1 5 cry, ‘Abb a,

For more information, visit iCareAboutOrphans.org

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BE A BLESSING | GET INVOLVED | 18

Oliver Twist Focus on the Family Radio Theatre® presents the inspirational tale Oliver Twist. Escape to another place and time with this full-cast audio dramatization of Charles Dickens’ classic tale of Oliver—a young orphan battling the streets of 19th-century London. This powerful story will draw you into a timeless adventure of danger, compassion and redemption as a single child changes the lives of everyone around him. Featuring cinema-quality sound, award-winning writers, an original music score and a stellar cast of England’s most renowned actors.

Scan the QR code or Click here to listen to a sample of Oliver Twist

Click on the links below to watch the Oliver Twist promo and a preview for a documentary detailing the reality of modern-day orphans.

Bonus DVD includes a compelling documentary featurette with “behind the scenes” footage, expert interviews and emotive stories of real, modern-day “Olivers.” Watch the behind the scenes promo.

Watch a preview for the documentary.

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OLIVER TWIST | LISTEN | 19

Excerpt from ReFocus: Living a Life that Reflects God’s Heart By Jim Daly

“… I’m simply drawing us back to the basic tenet of orthopraxy: following God and living by faith takes practice. Loving God and obeying His Word is nothing if not practical. The Bible clearly emphasizes how God cares about the details of daily life for His children—in fact, for all of His creation, including the sparrows of the air and the lilies of the field. So we shouldn’t be surprised that Jesus focused His ministry in practical, physical ways. He turned water into wine at a wedding celebration in Cana. He blessed a couple of fish and a handful of bread and turned it into a buffet for five thousand people. He healed lepers with His touch. He spit in the mud and made a healing paste for the blind. He washed the feet of His disciples. He made them breakfast on the beach. He established a ritual of remembrance and celebration through the bread and wine of the Last Supper. In example after example, we see that God is a God of incarnation, of Word made flesh. The fact that He would send His one and only Son to be born into our world as a baby—a human baby who cried, nursed, napped and soiled His diapers—is the greatest living proof we could desire. No wonder, then, that Jesus repeatedly urged His followers to put their faith into practice by serving both the physical and the spiritual needs of others.” From pages 160-161 Click here or scan the QR code to listen to a broadcast featuring Jim Daly talking about ReFocus

Click here or scan the QR code to order ReFocus by Jim Daly

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