Tuesday, October 31, 2023

The Mission of Operation Christmas Child: Demonstrating God’s Love to Children in Need

Operation Christmas Child

Operation Christmas Child is a mission project that is making a significant impact in the lives of children around the world. This project is an initiative of Franklin Graham's Samaritan's Purse, a prominent international relief organization.

The Mission of Operation Christmas Child

The mission of Operation Christmas Child is to demonstrate God's love in a tangible way to children in need around the world. Through this project, Samaritan's Purse has been able to partner with local churches worldwide to share the Good News of Jesus Christ and make disciples of the nations. The primary goal of this initiative is to show children that they are loved and valued, and that there is hope for a brighter future.

The project's approach is simple and effective. Samaritan's Purse collects shoeboxes filled with gifts and delivers them to children in need around the world. These shoeboxes are packed with a variety of items including toys, school supplies, basic hygiene items, and a personal note of encouragement. For many of these children, this shoebox is the first gift they have ever received.

The outreach of Operation Christmas Child is not limited to the distribution of shoeboxes. It also includes a follow-up discipleship program, The Greatest Journey. This program teaches children about God's greatest gift, His son Jesus Christ. Through this program, children learn how to follow Christ in their daily lives and share Him with others.

Back in 2014, my son was on deployment when he witnessed the end result of Operation Christmas Child. He called home to tell me about it. His description was just like the following video reveals. It was an incredible thing for him to witness, especially since he grew up packing an Operation Christmas Child shoebox every year. I've never forgotten that phone call and he'll never forget seeing the children in that country opening up those boxes. He has a baby girl now and I can't wait to start this annual tradition with her. It's a great way teach children about the importance of mission projects and a way for them to actively participate in such a wonderful cause.

How Can You Get Involved?

The impact of Operation Christmas Child is only possible through the assistance of millions of volunteers worldwide. You can become a part of this mission by packing a shoebox for a child in need. By including a variety of useful and fun items in your shoebox, you can bring joy to a child and give them a tangible expression of God's love.

Packing a shoebox is a simple process. You can choose to pack a shoebox for a boy or a girl, and you can select the age category that you prefer. Then, you fill the shoebox with a variety of items. Once your shoebox is packed, you can drop it off at a collection center near you.

Through your involvement, you have the opportunity to make a significant difference in the life of a child. Your shoebox can bring joy, hope, and the knowledge of God's love to a child in a desperate situation. You can be a part of changing the world, one shoebox at a time.

For more information and resources on how to pack a shoebox for Operation Christmas Child, visit SamaritansPurse.org.

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