Operations Christmas Child

“Just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” (Matthew 25:40)

If you were at worship with us this past Sunday (October 4), you'll know that one of the ways we celebrated World Communion Sunday was by providing opportunities for us as a church to make a difference in the life of needy children around the world through an international, ecumenical ministry called “Operation Christmas Child” (www.samaritanspurse.org/occ).

Since 1993, this ministry has partnered with local churches like ours throughout the U.S., Australia, Finland, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Canada, Spain and the U.K to deliver gift-filled shoeboxes to over 124 million children affected by war, poverty, natural disasters, and other crises in more than 150 countries and territories. And although we have participated in this ministry in the past, our church’s participation this year is a great way for us all to participate in Jesus’ call to minister to "the least of these" described in the scripture above.

Throughout October, individuals, families, and groups within our church are invited to fill empty shoeboxes with items like dolls, balls, and other fun toys, school supplies, hygiene items, as well as scripture messages and notes of encouragement to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with those who receive the shoebox gifts.  (If you didn’t get a box last week during worship, we still have a number remaining in our Fellowship Hall/MMC -- just help yourself to however many you want to pack).

After you fill your boxes, just include a $7 check (per box) to cover shipping costs and bring it back to one of our church’s designated drop-off points on or before November 7th.  We’ll then ship them to a processing center (one in Atlanta), where volunteers will then ship them out to children in some of the hardest-to-reach countries of the world to help them experience Christmas and the love of Christ.  You can even follow your box online to discover where in the world your gift is delivered using the donation form.

I hope you will join my wife and I as we seek to make a difference in the life of a child who otherwise might never hear of or experience the Christ of Christmas. Remember that God loves you and I do, too!