Author: Fundacion Bendecidos Para Bendecir

The Power of a Simple Gift
with Operation Christmas Child 2012

It’s Shoe Box Time!

Pack a shoe box for Operation Christmas Child and discover how to impact a life through the power of a simple gift

With National Collection Week beginning Monday, Nov. 12, it’s time to get excited about Operation Christmas Child and the impact the Samaritan’s Purse program will have on millions of children this year.

Since 1993, over 95 million shoe box gifts have been delivered to children in over 130 countries. The gifts provide tangible evidence of God’s love and often open doors to tell boys and girls and their families about salvation through Jesus Christ.

“These kids have never had a gift like this and when we can give a gift and give it in the name of Jesus Christ, it means everything in the world,“ Franklin Graham said.

This incredible project could not be done without the help of Christians all over the world, who lovingly pack shoe box gifts and volunteer to be staff drop-off locations and work at processing centers to inspect the boxes and prepare them for shipping.

Thanks to these diligent workers and God’s help, Operation Christmas Child expects to reach a significant milestone this year—the 100 millionth shoe box gift packed and distributed since we started this project 19 years ago.

God has blessed the program because it is more than just giving a child a gift. These shoe boxes packed by people like you are making eternal impacts on children’s lives.

Take Ralph for example. The 9-year-old boy from the Philippines, who spends his days collecting garbage with his family, had his life changed by his simple gift.

“Not only did I receive a gift, but I also prayed to receive Christ as my Lord,” Ralph said. “Knowing God will always love me means everything to me.”

Many children like Ralph are given the opportunity to enroll in a 12-week discipleship course called “The Greatest Journey” after they receive their shoe box gift. This curriculum, offered in more than 60 countries, brings Bible stories and the truth of God’s Word to life through brightly colored illustrations and easy-to-understand text. After completing the course, the children graduate, receiving a certificate and a Bible.

“I have seen how the spark has been lit here in these churches and this is just the beginning of it,” said Cissie Graham Lynch, Franklin Graham’s daughter. “God is using the Greatest Journey as a discipleship program, and these kids are responding to it. They can go on to proclaim Christ in their country. It’s not that you just give a box and walk away. These are long-term spiritual effects that we’re making on these communities and these countries.”

The impact of Operation Christmas Child doesn’t just affect one child’s life, it changes the lives of whole families, communities and even countries. Find out how you can get involved during National Collection Week November 12-19.

FIND A DROP-OFF LOCATIONS – http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/Drop_Off_Locations/