OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD
For 15 years Samaritan’s Purse had asked people everywhere to fill shoe boxes with toys, school supplies, some toiletries, and candy to show God’s love to millions of children who live in the poorest conditions all over the world. Last year 7.6 million boxes were distributed in over 100 countries.
How does one shoebox show God’s love to these children? The shoebox is merely an introduction to the unconditional love of Jesus Christ. The children are thrilled with their presents and are overwhelmed that people so far away care so much for them.
Many of them listen to the stories about God and Jesus from the Samaritan’s Purse volunteers along with a follow-up discipleship program. They come to realize that God truly loves them and wants to have a personal relationship with them. Then they share their great news with family, friends, and neighbors. These children face war, famine, disease, and poverty on a daily basis. They are eager for hope to transform their lives. As Franklin Graham says, “Through this simple gift, hearts are touched, lives changed, and communities transformed.”
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
1. Pray for all the children who receive shoeboxes.
2. Pack one or more shoeboxes and drop them off at Wellshire November 11 or 18
3. Contribute financial support to cover cost of shipping boxes ($7 check)
THIS IS HOW TO PACK AN OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD BOX!
· Use a pre-printed box, available at church Nov 4 and 11, or wrap a shoebox bottom and lid separately. This allows the distribution center to check the contents of the box before mailing.
· Decide which sex and age child you will pack for. Fill the box with school supplies, soap in a plastic bag, toothbrush, toothpaste, comb or brush, washcloth, hard candy and gum, t-shirt, a pair of socks, ball caps, jewelry and hair accessories for girls, flashlights, tennis balls, and other non-war related toys. If you desire, a personal note and picture from your family can be included. It is expensive to ship the boxes so Samaritan’s Purse asks for a $7 donation (check) to mail each box. If you do multiple boxes, one check may be written for all of them and placed in one of the boxes.
· Fill out the label for the appropriate age and sex of child to receive your box. Tape the label to the top of the box. Place a rubber band around the box. Bring your box(es) to church on Nov 11 or Nov 18 to designated tables.
