Operation Christmas Child
On the second day of the Catalyst Conference, Samaritan’s Purse volunteers placed 12,000 Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes under the seats of all attendees in the arena. If you are not already familiar with the Operation Christmas Child ministry, here is a short excerpt from the OCC website:
Operation Christmas Child brings joy and hope to children in desperate situations around the world through gift-filled shoe boxes and the Good News of God’s love. Since 1993, more than 61 million shoe boxes have been packed, shipped, and delivered across the globe. People of all ages can be involved in this simple, hands-on missions project while focusing on the true meaning of Christmas—Jesus Christ.
Outside the arena at Catalyst, the team set up a huge tent, in which attendees could fill the shoe box from beneath their seat with toys for a girl or boy in need. It was the biggest packing party ever! Check out the OCC website to find out more and search for a drop off location near you. Fill a shoe box and make a difference this Christmas!
There have been 5 replies so far
What a simple and powerful way to reach out to children and their families around the world! Everyone from the youngest to the oldest can pack a gift and pray. The gifts are so significant in and of themselves, but even more important is the message of the gospel which is also shared and the opportunity given for follow up and discipleship. May God continue to bless the work of Operation Christmas Child and the individuals, families, churches and groups who incorporate it as part of their world outreach.
1 | CG
Friday, October 17, 2008, at 9:37am
When you think about the fact that you can bring the greatest gift of all…Jesus Christ…to a hurting child, you not only touch them on earth, but for eternity! When you see a child’s face after they have received a shoe box and Greatest Gift of All booklet, you cannot describe the shine in their smile. I would do anything to brighten a child’s life.
2 | cid
Tuesday, October 21, 2008, at 2:15pm
Thanks for the comment. There is something really special about impacting a child’s life. I would love to go on a distribution trip with OCC someday and experience their faces and smiles first hand.
3 | Jenny Williams
Tuesday, October 21, 2008, at 2:26pm
I love OCC! This is the second year I have headed the OCC drive at our church. My heart absolutely breaks at the thought of those children - cold, hungry, without proper clothing or shelter. And then, someone they will NEVER meet (this side of heaven anyway) sends them a shoe box filled with gifts. With that shoebox comes a book in their own language about JESUS!! The best gift of all!!! I watched the promo video for this year and I just cried! I want to hug all those babies!!! I want them to have shoes and toys and school supplies and most of all JESUS!!!
I need to go pack a shoebox…….
4 | Donna
Saturday, October 25, 2008, at 10:19pm
I love reading posts about deeds such as this. It really warms our heart, Christmas is truly amazing.
5 | Janette
Sunday, November 2, 2008, at 9:05pm
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