Matthew 19:14 “...but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”

The leaves are starting to change, the days are getting shorter, the temperatures will hopefully be dropping soon and that can only mean one thing...it’s time to start thinking about Christmas! Ok, maybe not Christmas itself yet. We wouldn’t want to ignore the other great fall holidays we have to celebrate, especially Thanksgiving and the time it gives us to reflect on the many blessings we’ve been given. But it is time to start thinking about Operation Christmas Child!

The missions team is asking our church family to participate again this year in helping spread the gospel and share the love of Jesus with children around the world. Samaritan’s Purse and Operation Christmas Child are able to go into foreign countries, give these gifts to children who have so little, and then also share the gospel message of hope and love through the storybook, “The Greatest Gift”, that is included with each shoebox. Through this, Samaritan’s Purse is able to fulfill their mission of “Evangelism, Discipleship, and Multiplication” by sharing the gospel with not only the children, but also their parents and other family members.

Our goal this year is to fill 150 shoeboxes for children around the globe. We will have shoeboxes available at the church for you to pack for a boy or a girl in either the 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14 age groups. We are hoping to include in our overall total at least 25 boxes that are regular shoeboxes or unmarked plastic boxes. Samaritan’s Purse will be able to take these boxes and send them to countries that are not as friendly towards open missions and evangelism. In addition, the missions team will be hosting a packing party with snacks, hot chocolate, and Christmas music to get us in the spirit as we share with God’s children. The date for this event will be announced towards the end of October, so be on the lookout!

The deadline for shipping this year is November 17. The boxes offered at the church are free and we do ask for a $9 donation to cover the cost of processing and shipping. This year, due to customs regulations, Samaritan’s Purse is also asking that you do not include toothpaste or candy in your box. For other ideas of what to include in your shoebox, check out the link below:

What Goes In My Shoebox

The most important thing we can include in our shoeboxes is our prayers for the child the box is destined for, for the work of Operation Christmas Child and Samaritan’s Purse, and that Christ will be glorified through all that we do.