Martin Luther Church participated in Operation Christmas Child for the third year.  This Mission Project was our focus for October 8 to November 12. Operation Christmas Child was started over 20 years ago by Samaritan’s Purse – a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization led by Franklin Graham.

From our youngest to our oldest members, shoebox gifts were packed to be a blessing to children in need around the world. What’s in a box? A “wow” item such as a doll, soccer ball with pump, stuffed animal, or a small toy.   Hygiene items, school supplies, and wearable items such as flip-flops, t-shirts, hats, etc. fill up the box. It truly is astounding how many thoughtful items can be used to fill those boxes!

MLC packed shoeboxes and they’re ready to GO!

                       

 

The Mission Team set the goal for 80 boxes at the start of the project.  Just how many boxes do you see ready for shipment?  ONE HUNDRED …. and TWENTY-TWO.   That’s right, 122 boxes!    We would have loved picturing them in a taller stack but boxes were packed full – very full – and rounded boxes don’t stack real well.    That’s a good problem to have!

On November 16, our boxes were taken to our nearest collection point which was Tecumseh, Nebraska. From there they were taken to a processing center where thousands of volunteers prepare them for international shipping.

The shoeboxes will travel to children in over 100 countries.  The transportation by volunteers is completed by various methods!

Samaritan’s Purse boxes are carried by camel in Namibia

Boxes are transported to remote villages in Peru by donkey

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The shoebox distribution results in evangelism and discipleship. Pastors and trained volunteers host the shoebox distributions in places where people may not know Christ or as resources for outreach in orphanages and other at-risk areas. “The Greatest Gift” a Gospel story booklet developed for shoebox recipients by Samaritan’s Purse is distributed with the shoeboxes. Boys and girls across the globe have an opportunity to learn about Jesus.

Shoebox delivery in Dominican Republic

Shoebox distribution in Malawi

 

Kindness and caring at MLC – inspired by Jesus, our Lord – resulting in great joy!