Franklin Graham, from Samaritan's Purse, spoke at our church today. He was there to kick off our mission week... but in addition to his sermon he told us all kinds of interesting stuff about Operation Christmas Child. Did you know that they expect to distribute 8.2 million boxes this year? They will distribute these boxes in 110 countries. Each box not only contains the toys, candy, and toiletries that we pack, it also has a booklet that shares Jesus in the children's native language. One more thing... they always try to team up with a local church to hand out the boxes, so that way the children and their families can return for discipleship.
His message really got me fired up for the program this year. It is awesome what God can do through a simple shoe box filled with basic supplies... and some fun kids stuff. He told stories of children who had once received boxes, now giving boxes. He also encouraged everyone to put a picture and a note in the box... but most importantly to pray over the box for the child who will receive it.
If this has not gotten you fired up for shoe box packing, I encourage you to go to their website and watch some of the videos (I tried to put one here.... but it kept going crazy). Just look at the kids faces....
I can't wait to get my shoe boxes together... it may be the ONLY gift these children ever receive!
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