After
my accident a few months ago, I was concerned
about whether I was going to be able to pull together the same number of
Operation Christmas Child boxes as I usually do. But thank the Lord, this week,
my sister, Tammy, and I are putting the finishing touches on about twenty-five boxes. One
of my little neighbor girls who helped me last year came again this year to assemble
boxes, as well.
It’s
a ministry I believe in, and one that does great good around the world in the
hearts of children and their families. I have even contributed to several anthologies
for which the authors forgo royalties so that the proceeds go to Samaritan’s Purse.
In a recent newsletter from Samaritan’s Purse, the headline read, “It’s All
About Jesus,” because every shoebox carries with it the possibility of a child
or someone in their family coming to know the Lord.
One
story in the newsletter that touched my heart was about the Chapra children of
Peru who live in a remote area. It took weeks to reach them over mountains and
down rivers. But hundreds of children came to receive the boxes and learn about
Jesus.
Over
the years, the items we have put in the boxes have changed (please no food or
any kind of liquids or creams), but hopefully the love we put in has even grown. And make sure you include that five-dollar wow toy, because when a child
opens the box, he or she should see something that really puts a smile on their
face.
You may cover a shoebox, order a cardboard or plastic one from Samaritan’s Purse,
or use a plastic shoebox you purchase, either way, fill it to the brim with the
items listed at the Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child site.
Here’s
what’s we packed for a 5–9-year-old girl
which is as full as can be and still get the lid on:
A
wow baby doll, washcloth, comb, soap, toothbrush, pencils, sharpener, erasers, crayons,
coloring book, composition book, folder, hair barrettes, ponytail holders, jump
rope (the jumprope lights up-a big plus), stuffed bag clip, and a bracelet.
Here’s the contents of a 5–9-year-old boy box which is also very full:
Wow soccer ball (deflated and held with rubber bands, soccer balls are so desired around the world), pump, needles, toy car (also highly desirable), top, composition book, folder, crayons, pencils, erasers, sharpener, coloring book, washcloth, soap, toothbrush, comb, and a tee shirt.
Sometimes,
we do the essentials and put things in until the lid won’t close. Just make sure
you include toys, school supplies, and toiletry items. Our boxes are different every
year because we see what we find on sale in after-holiday sales and adjust
accordingly. By shopping throughout the year and grabbing bargains, we can pack
more boxes.
If you're stretched for time, you may also make a contribution and Samaritan's Purse will pack a box for you.
Collection
week is November 17-24, so add your boxes to the more than 232 million that
have been distributed in 170 countries over the last three decades. It’s a way
that each of us can change the world for God’s glory.
"The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'"