Operation Christmas Child
Operation Christmas Child is a ministry run by Samaritan’s Purse. Samaritan’s Purse began collecting shoebox gifts in 1993 for children in war-torn Bosnia. Since then, more than 188 million children in over 160 countries and territories have received a shoebox! Each shoebox gift is a gospel opportunity for Jesus to be known and for children to become disciples. Many recipients participate in the follow-up discipleship program called The Greatest Journey. Through this 12-lesson Bible-based course, children are come to know Jesus, learn to follow Him, share the Gospel and making disciples.
“The mission of Operation Christmas Child is to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world. Through this project, Samaritan’s Purse partners with the local church worldwide to share the Good News of Jesus Christ and make disciples of the nations.”
CLG participate in this ministry by filling shoeboxes with gifts. During collection time empty shoeboxes are available in the church lobby for members to take home, fill, and return. The boxes are then sent to Samaritan’s Purse and delivered around the world. The ministry partners with churches to organize and facilitate festive events where the children receive their gifts and hear the Gospel.
If you would like to help by packing a shoebox just look for the empty shoeboxes and labels that are set out in the lobby during October and November. Since your shoebox gift may be the only gift the child ever receives, plan to pack durable, quality, and fun items that will last and bring a child joy. You also have the convenient option to build a shoebox online at samaritanspurse.org/buildonline.