Operation Christmas Child
Once again we are invited to bring the joy of the Christ Child and Christmas to needy children around the world by participating in Operation Christmas Child, an exciting ministry that demonstrates God’s love through gift filled shoeboxes. The dates for our drop off are November 14th through the 23rd. The hours are Monday, Wednesday, Friday, from 6PM to 9PM, Tuesday from 9AM to 11AM, Thursday, from 9AM to 12PM, Saturday, from 9AM to 12PM and Sunday, from 8:45AM to 12PM.
As we begin to focus our attention on the items we will place in our shoebox gifts, we thought it important to remind ourselves of the most important GIFT – Romans 6:23 says – “For the wages of sin is death, but the GIFT of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”Coloring book, crayons, yo-yo, baby doll, soap, toothbrushes, hats and mittens … All items we are so willing to purchase and place inside a beautifully wrapped shoebox. These are the gifts we desire to share at Christmas time with underprivileged children in war-torn, poverty-stricken countries, and they are so grateful! But we need to remember the most important GIFT that goes into that box is the Christmas Story – the gospel literature which introduces THE CHRISTMAS CHILD – JESUS CHRIST to millions of children around the world. Just a reminder to PRAY as you plan, prepare, shop for, wrap and deliver your box to our Drop-Off Center.
Ask God the Father to bless these gifts and the children who will receive them. Pray for a hedge of protection around the distribution of these boxes and the workers, world-wide who will have a hand in getting these boxes distributed. This truly is an evangelistic outreach. Remember to include a note in your box telling these children of Jesus’ love for them and how He has called you to respond in His name. help you get started.
Have fun shopping and wrapping!! Use this as an opportunity to tell others in your “inner circle” of friends who may themselves not even know Jesus personally.
Make sure your children understand we aren’t just buying “toys” for some under-privileged child, but we are extending a personal invitation to join God’s family. Our kick-off for Operation Christmas Child will begin on Sunday October 25th. There will be a table in the Atrium where you can pick up your brochures on How To Pack A Shoebox and get any information you might need. We will also have sign up sheets if you are willing to volunteer your time for a 3-hour shift during our collection drop off week, November 14th-23rd.
Now is the time to start promoting Operation Christmas Child at your place of business, school, or perhaps consider having a home party. It’s fun and easy. Just invite your friends, neighbors and family and start packing!!! We would love to help you get started.
Thank you, in His Name, for participating.