Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Operation Christmas Child


Antioch has been involved with Operation Christmas Child for several years. This ministry sends boxes packed by people around the world to children in need. When the children receive their Christmas gifts, the gospel is shared with their family.

The ministry is life-changing for many children. The gifts they receive provide them with a few necessities and some Christmas fun. More importantly, though, the gifts show the children that they are loved and cared for—by Jesus and His people.

If you’d like to pack a shoebox this year, National Collection Week is November 16-23.

Here are a few tips for packing:

Consider using a plastic box instead of a shoebox. As long as it is shoebox size, it works! Many kids keep their boxes and use them for other things. The plastic boxes can be used to carry water or store things so they don’t get wet or damaged.

Toss in a bar of Ivory soap. It floats! It’s handy for those kids who might wash in a river.

Pray about what your child might need. There are countless stories of kids getting the exact thing they are wanting or needing—shoes, a musical instrument, the perfect toy. That is only possible through God!

Involve your kids. Packing shoeboxes is an excellent family tradition. Kids love picking out toys and items for shoeboxes and learning about children around the world who may receive them.

Track your box. You can follow your box when you print a special tracking code. It is so fun to see where your box ends up and you can be more specific in your prayers when you know what country your box ended up in.

Write to the children who will receive your box. In addition to the other things you’ve picked out, consider including a family picture and a note about yourself. You can even include your address and the child may write back!

No comments: