Samaritan’s Purse’s annual Operation Christmas Child shoebox dedication was last Sunday. Churches all around the United States collected shoeboxes filled with toys, soccer balls and pumps, soap, toothbrushes, and other small gifts for children around the world. Many of these children have never received a present in their lives.
I can’t imagine never getting a present. I still remember special presents from childhood. One of my favorites was my Lemon Meringue doll. Remember Strawberry Shortcake dolls? Lemon Meringue was one of her sidekicks.
Samaritan’s Purse volunteers have distributed more than 168 million shoeboxes in more than 100 countries since 1993, changing lives as they share Jesus’ love. Many times, these children have never even heard of him. It’s amazing how a soccer ball and a bar of soap can make children feel loved and encourage them to open their hearts to Jesus.
And it all started with an idea. In this case, it started in Dave and Jill Cooke’s minds. They began the program in 1990 in the United Kingdom. Three years later they merged with Samaritan’s Purse.
All of us come up with ideas on our own—some good, some bad. But ideas God plants always produce a good harvest. Such is the case with Operation Christmas Child.
By God’s grace, I’ve never known poverty. I know these kids live with poverty beyond anything I can imagine. Honestly, I’d rather not imagine. It disturbs me. I mean, seriously, why am I so blessed and they struggle so much?
All I can say is God has a purpose in all situations, and I believe part of the reason he’s given me all I need is so I can help others who live in desperate situations. And I pray for Samaritan’s Purse and its outreach programs, as well.
“The Greatest Journey,” for example, is a powerful discipleship program. It introduces kids to Jesus and gives them an opportunity to dedicate their lives to him. It’s mind-blowing. All I do is put a few gifts in a shoebox and take it to church, and this opens a door that just might lead a child to Christ.
If you missed out on Operation Christmas Child, find another opportunity to give to needy Children this Christmas season. Opportunities abound.
I don’t mean to skip from mid-November to Christmas, mind you. Thanksgiving is around the corner. If you can spare an hour on Sunday, November 24, at 7 p.m., drive out to Fallowfield United Methodist Church for a real treat: The Carriers’ concert. The Carriers are a talented and upbeat group of singers whose songs and message will lift your spirit. It should be a fantastic show; one that lifts praise to God.
Have a wonderful week. Blessings!