One shoebox can change a child’s life
It is that time of year again. Time to pack shoeboxes for children all over the world! I’ll be honest. I had never thought of the difference just one shoebox could make in a child’s life. I had even packed the shoeboxes and sent them out in the past, but I don’t think it had ever really hit me that an actual child, living and breathing, across the world would experience hope and learn about Jesus when my shoebox was in their hands until a few years ago. That is what I love about Samaritan’s Ministries Operation Christmas Child. Yes, it is fun for a child to receive a box of goodies, some needed and some for play. But Operation Christmas Child takes it much further than that.
Operation Christmas Child uses your shoebox to not only provide tangible gifts but to provide the gift of knowing Jesus Christ. They unashamedly share the gospel with these kids and do their best to connect them to a local church and hopefully lead them in a discipleship program beyond that. Since 2009, more than 26.5 million children who have received a shoebox gift have participated in The Greatest Journey—a 12 lesson discipleship program. Children learn from trained, local volunteers what it means to follow Jesus and share their faith with friends and family. It is incredible!
The good news is that we have the opportunity to partner with Operation Christmas Child in that every single year. As moms this is an easy way to get our children involved in ministry to children across the world. Serving together can impact our child personally and help them see in real life how God can use them.
Here is a photo of my youngest daughter packing her shoebox last year!
Here is a little bit about Operation Christmas Child in case you haven’t heard of the ministry:
Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, has been sending shoeboxes filled with toys, school supplies, and hygiene items, to boys and girls around the world every year since 1993. Now, more than 178 million children in over 160 countries and territories have received a shoebox! These simple gifts -and their follow-up discipleship program, The Greatest Journey- are powerful tools to share the Gospel with millions of people around the world.
It all starts with you. Here is how it works with just three easy steps:
Just start with any standard-sized shoebox. It can be cardboard or plastic.
Fill it with fun toys, school supplies, and hygiene items. They have a list of suggested items here on their website.
Once your shoeboxes are filled, you can look HERE to find the nearest place to drop off your boxes during National Collection Week which is November 15-22, 2021.
There are so many great ideas for packing shoeboxes with kids and Samaritan’s Purse put together a list here: From One Child to Another
Now, if you don’t want to or can’t make it to the store to grab the items for a shoebox and pack it up to deliver, you can also just build your shoebox online and Samaritan’s Ministries will pack your shoebox and make sure it is delivered for you! I love that!
The stories we read from men and women who have been impacted by the faithfulness of so many over the years in packing and sending shoeboxes are moving.
Here is one from Karabo pictured below:
When I was 11, I saw a flyer about an Operation Christmas Child event at a local church in Lesotho. My cousin and I attended the event, where we heard the Gospel and each received a shoebox gift.
I didn’t have many things of my own. I was used to having to borrow something and then needing to give it back. When I received my shoebox gift, I couldn’t believe that the things in it were all mine for me to keep.
"The shoebox filled one of the holes in my heart. God used it to give me hope."
That gesture was a gift in itself. It was the beginning of me reopening my heart that I had protected so long from loss and heartache and entrusting it to Christ.
I remember the shoebox filled one of the holes in my heart. God used it to give me hope and fill what I was in need of—to fill my brokenness. I made the choice to seek Him, but He sought me, the God who sees and knows the deepest needs of my heart.
I had a desire to know Him more and started to learn more about Him. Then, I surrendered my life to Him and experienced His presence in my life. Today, I have eternal life in Jesus Christ—because of His love for me.
Delivered into the hands of children through local churches, every shoebox gift is an opportunity to share about Jesus and make an eternal impact like we see in the life of Karabo. I would love for you to join me today in packing a shoebox or multiple shoeboxes for children just like him. What an incredible blessing to be the hands and feet of Jesus in this way. Don’t forget that collection week is in two weeks! You can get started <<<<HERE>>>>.
With you,
Ruth
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