By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer
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. 17-24.
“These gifts open the door for us to share God’s love and the eternal hope of the Gospel with children and their families who are living in desperation and fear,” Samaritan’s Purse President and CEO Franklin Graham said in a statement. “The world is changing, but the message of the cross doesn’t change—bringing the hope of the Gospel to millions, especially the living hope of Jesus. Our mission never changes.”
Louisiana Christian University, in its fifth year of participating in OCC, is among those participating in the effort. The school has been selected by Samaritan’s Purse as a university the organization is sponsoring for the next two years. The ministry will send a past recipient of a shoebox to share his or her testimony during LCU’s Oct. 28 chapel service at 11 a.m.
Additionally, they will be packing shoeboxes inside Martin Performing Arts Center Nov. 7 at 2 p.m.
Anyone interested in helping donate money or items that will fill shoeboxes at LCU should contact Huffman at tabitha.huffman@lcuniversity.edu to arrange a drop off.
According to OCC’s website, shoeboxes have reached 232 million children (including 11.9 million last year) in more than 170 different countries and territories. The nationwide goal this year is to reach 12 million children.
Individuals, families, churches and groups can fill empty shoeboxes with school supplies, hygiene items and fun toys, such as dolls or soccer balls.
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 $10 donation, and the organization will build one 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.
