Operation Christmas Child

 
I eagerly anticipate the beginning of November because it is the season for one of my favorite charities... Operation Christmas Child.  Very few organizations successfully tackle global need, on a personal and intimate level, for millions of children every year.  It is a very simple idea, pack a shoebox with toiletries, personal items, school supplies, toys, and candy and ship it to a child living in poverty.  OCC takes it to the next level by including a copy of the gospel in the child's native language and in many areas offering discipleship training.  Inside that one box a child finds joy, love, and true hope.  You can find a more perfect Christmas gift.

I love to hear the stories of changed lives.  OCC has a YouTube site now that lets you watch clips of many of the personal testimonies. (Please preview before sharing with young children.)  Every year I get choked up when I share this lesson because the realities are so hard to see, but the hope is so tangible.  Seeing the shear joy of a child who has never received a gift in their life is heartwarming.  Hearing others share of how they were led to give their lives to Christ and minister to their communities is priceless.

Every year we look forward to filling boxes in our family.  A few years ago we started getting together with other homeschool families for a packing party.  We watch some of the OCC video clips together.  We talk about the lifestyles of children in other parts of the world.  And we talk about the Christian mission and God's plan for our kids.  It is amazing to see their faces light up when they realize God can use them right now in His grand plan to touch a child on the other side of the world.  We always remind the kids that God already knows exactly which child will receive each box.  I love hearing the stories of where the boxes end up.  One family in our church was on a missions trip in eastern Europe.  They ended up visiting the home of the child who received the box they packed in NC.  The chances? 1 in 4 million!  But God doesn't need statistics.

On the OCC website their are many downloadable resources.  We had the kids fill out the "About Me" sheets, attach pictures, and make Christmas cards to include in their box.  In many parts of the world child will write back to the sender of their box.

You can also print tracking forms online when you use the EZ Give option and actually track your box to the country where it is delivered!

The kids put so much time and thought into packing each box...

In the end our 14 children filled over 20 boxes.  It is such a powerful thing when they can learn about the suffering and strife in other countries and see and hear the pain in the lives of children, just like them- but more importantly they can do something to help.  For some it will become a lifelong passion that may take them to a far off place in the future.  Only God knows the plans He has...

If you are interested in packing a box with your family.  This week is National Collection Week around the country.  Just visit the Samaritan's Purse site, get instructions, and find a drop off location near you. May your heart be touched and your lives be blessed!