That’s a Wrap!
How many Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes can you fit into the back of a Kia Carnival? Well, that’s a good question, and I know the answer. Last week we had the honour of delivering 269 shoeboxes, packed lovingly by our church family, to the Operation Christmas Child processing centre at Banyo. That is 269 expressions of love that will, God-willing, impact a child’s life this Christmas and forever.
Allow me to share with you why this ministry is so close to my heart. Each shoebox contains something for the child to play with, something to wear, something for school, something for personal hygiene and something to cuddle. For a child in a developing country, these gifts are precious, impactful, and much-needed.
Even greater than the gifts, though, is the fact that each child is given the opportunity to hear about Jesus. As part of the box distribution event, churches invite children to be part of The Greatest Journey, an evangelism and discipleship program. Many children come to know Christ, and become part of the local church, along with their family. The gospel is shared, churches grow, and communities are impacted.
Being involved in Operation Christmas Child allows the children in our church to care for others in a very real, practical way. As they sort and prepare and choose gifts for the shoeboxes they think of someone else ahead of themselves, their heart is stirred for the needy, and the joy of giving is experienced. I pray that as they grow they will continue to show mercy and love toward all of God’s children.
Proverbs 14:31 tells us “He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honours God.”
So, I want to say thank you! Thank you to those who gave toward the 269 Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes, for showing kindness and honouring God. What a blessing it is to be part of such a generous and compassionate church.
