Again this year we have the exciting opportunity to join together to reach hurting children around the world through a program called "Operation Christmas Child". It is a project of the international Christian relief and evangelism organization Samaritan's Purse, led by Franklin Graham, the son of Dr. Billy Graham. "Operation Christmas Child" encourages each one of us to be involved in a simple hands-on mission project.
What To Do: Find an empty shoebox. Wrap it - lid separately. Determine whether your gift will be for a boy or girl and their age category: (2-4), (5-9), or (10-14). Labels will be provided around the middle of October to attach to the top of your box.
Fill your shoebox with a variety of gifts. Here are some suggestions:
Toys: small cars, balls, dolls, small stuffed animals, harmonicas, yo-yos, Slinky, etc.
School supplies: pens, pencils and sharpener, crayons or markers, stamps and ink pad sets, coloring books, writing pads or paper, solar calculators, etc.
Hygiene items: toothbrush, toothpaste, bar soap, comb, washcloth, etc.
Other: sealed hard candy or gum, sunglasses, flashlights with extra batteries, ball caps, socks, T-shirts, toy jewelry, hair clips, watches, Bible story or small picture books, etc.
We are asked not to include toy guns or knives, chocolate or perishable items, liquids of any kind such as shampoo, lotion or bubbles, used items, medicines, or breakable items.
Enclose a check for $5 payable to Samaritan's Purse inside your shoebox to help cover shipping and other costs. Then place a rubber band around your box and lid and bring it to church on or before November 16th. Pray for the child receiving your shoebox.
When the shoebox gifts are delivered, each child will be also presented with Christian literature in his or her own language. Last year 6.2 million shoeboxes were collected and distributed to needy children in more than 95 countries. These shoe boxes open doors for presenting the Good News of Jesus Christ through children's literature, personal witnessing, and evangelistic programs, and many lives are changed for eternity. Please join together this year in sharing the true meaning of Christmas through "Operation Christmas Child". For more details, contact Gail West or Linda Marshall. Project information about "Operation Christmas Child" is also available on the web site http://www.samaritanspurse.org/.
No time to shop? The High School Youth would be happy to shop and fill a box for you. All you need to do is provide $15 to fill the box and a separate $5 check made payable to Samaritan's Purse to cover the shipping. See Bill Marshall if you would like the youth's assistance.