| Operation Christmas Child |
| A Project of Samaritan's Purse |
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| 2008 National Collection Week, November 17-24 |
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| Through shoe boxes packed with gifts, wrapped in prayer, and sent with
God's love, Operation Christmas Child provides an opportunity for individuals
of all ages to reach out to poor and suffering children around the globe,
while focusing on the true meaning of Christmas - Jesus Christ, God's greatest
gift. |
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In 2007, some 8 million suffering children in more than 100 countries received
personal shoe box gifts filled with simple things most people take for
granted—soap, toothbrushes, school supplies, candy, and other necessity
items. For many of these children, the shoe box gift will be the first
gift they have ever received. Thanks to caring individuals, families, schools,
churches, civic clubs and other organizations in thousands of cities in
all 50 states and 10 additional countries these suffering children will
receive a little bit a hope in the form of a simple shoebox gift.
The project is supported by more than 180,000 volunteers worldwide, including
some 120,000 in the U.S. Shoe box gifts are inspected and prepared for
overseas shipment in 6 major cities across the U.S., and ten participating countries. Shoe box gifts are then loaded onto some of the world's largest cargo
planes, trucks, and sea containers bound for the far reaches of the earth.
Once the gifts arrive at their destinations, Samaritan's Purse teams and
partners transport the gifts by truck, bus, train, helicopter, boat, foot,
dog sled, and, yes, even mule to hand-deliver the gifts to hurting children!
More than just the joy of receiving presents, Operation Christmas Child
shares a message of hope. Every box provides a tangible way to tell a hurting
child, "God loves you." As boxes are distributed, national ministry
partners offer girls and boys Gospel storybooks in their own language that
explain about God's greatest gift - His Son, Jesus Christ. The Operation
Christmas Child Discipleship Program, a Bible study course, has led hundreds
of thousands to trust Jesus as Savior and Lord, and then to share Him with
their families and friends. |
Why We Support Operation Christmas Child
It is the general policy of The Gospel Report to not specifically endorse a given ministry - you
are encouraged to be actively involved in evangelism wherever God prayerfully
leads you. This is particularly true with regard to financial giving.
Some ministries we consider exceptions to this policy - either because
of their unique nature or scope, in combination with a proven record as
both theologically sound and fiscally responsible.
Operation Christmas Child is one such exception. This ministry reaches
out to sick, hurting, and needy children around the world, many of whom
live in hospital wards, orphanages, war zones or abject poverty. For many,
this will be the only such gifts of love they receive this year. For some,
this may be their only opportunity to hear about God's love and the gift
of His Son, Jesus Christ.
More than giving your money and prayers, Operation Christmas Child provides
a hands-on opportunity for you to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Your shoe box is a physical demonstration of God's love that can open doors
for local churches to minister to the children and families in their communities.
Change lives for eternity with simple shoe box gifts through Operation
Christmas Child! |
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Franklin Graham says this: "The gift of a simple shoe box has changed
the lives of countless children and their families. Many learn more about
Jesus through our follow-up Bible study program. They come to realize that
God truly loves them and has a plan full of hope for their lives, no matter
what their circumstances may be."
How You Can Make A Difference
It's easy to participate in Operation Christmas Child. Simply fill an empty
shoe box with gifts. For complete packing instructions, click here. Drop it off at a collection site in your area during National Collection Week. Finally, pray for the child
who will receive your shoe box gift.
Your shoe box can make a difference!
Images © Samaritan's Purse. |
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| Teddy has a shoe box to catch, destined for a very special girl. Will he
make it?! Watch this short film from our friends at OCC Germany. Love needs
no subtitles! Watch |
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National Collection Week
November 17-24, 2008 |
* Shoe box gifts are accepted year round at:
Samaritan's Purse
Operation Christmas Child
801 Bamboo Road
P.O. Box 3000
Boone, NC 28607 |
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