By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer
PINEVILLE, La. (LBM) – Louisiana Baptists soon will have the opportunity, through Operation Christmas Child, to share the ultimate gift to children in other countries without ever leaving the state.
Formed in 1993 by Samaritan’s Purse, the effort 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. 14-21.
Though simple, gifts such as small toys, hygiene items and school supplies bring a smile to children who may be affected by war, poverty, natural disaster, famine, and disease.
OCC regional spokesperson Mary Deen, also a member of Journey Church, Pineville, told the Baptist Message the effort provides an opportunity for Christ followers to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to children who may not receive any other gift.
“What captivated me when I filled my first box in 1993 was how this allows you to be a missionary in a box,” Deen said. “I can’t go over there and give gifts to children, but I can send a box filled with them. “It’s a joy to send not just a tangible gift but the greatest spiritual gift you can give them, which is the hope of Jesus.”
According to OCC’s website, shoeboxes have reached 198 million children in 170 different countries and territories. The nationwide goal this year is to reach 11 million children.
Children who receive the shoebox gifts also can enroll in OCC’s 12-lesson discipleship program, The Greatest Journey. Introduced in 2009, this program teaches children about God’s amazing love and guides them through what it means to faithfully follow Jesus Christ.
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 offers a “Build a Box” option where participants can submit a $25 donation and the organization will build it for you.
Enter your zip-code to find a drop-off location, see the “Build a Box” option, and discover many other helpful resources at www.samaritanspurse.org.
