By Baptist Message staff
PINEVILLE, La. (LBM) – Louisiana Baptists will have the opportunity to join thousands across the world to share the ultimate gift to children in other countries through Operation Christmas Child.
Formed in 1993 by Samaritan’s Purse, OCC allows churches and individuals to bring gift-filled shoeboxes to relay stations across the country that are then processed and shipped to local partners around the world with a means of reaching out to children in their communities with the good news of Jesus Christ.
National Collection Week is Nov. 16-23, and OCC has set up 5,000 sites to receive the gift boxes (find the neaarest drop-off location)
OCC also will include with its boxes a 12-week discipleship course option called “The Greatest Journey.” Trained event leaders share the Gospel when children receive a gift box. Children who choose to follow Jesus are offered the opportunity to complete the study. The course equips them to become faithful followers of Christ and teaches them how to share their faith.
According to OCC’s website, shoeboxes have reached 244 million children in more than 170 different countries and territories. The nationwide goal this year is to reach 12.8 million children.
Vital items like a toothbrush (no toothpaste), a bar of soap and washcloth, coloring book, crayons, and other school supplies, as well as combs, brushes, and hair accessories should be included. A stuffed animal and small toys may be added to each gender-specific box.
For those who are unable to shop for items to fill a box, the Samaritan’s Purse website (samaritanspurse.org ) offers a “Build a Box” option where participants can submit a $25 donation, and the organization will build one for you.
“Shoebox gifts may seem simple, but they have an eternal impact. Each box is an opportunity to tell a boy or girl in need about the true meaning of Christmas,” Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse, said in a statement. “I’ve delivered these boxes around the world, and I never get tired of seeing the joy that they bring—even in the midst of disasters, war, and poverty.”
