Operation Christmas Child

Our church has contributed to Operation Christmas Child the last few years.  For those of you who are not familiar with Operation Christmas Child, it is where you fill a shoe box with toys, candy and other treats.  This organization mails the boxes to orphans all over the world.  They enclose a Gospel message in their language.  Sometimes you can even hear back from the child that you mailed the box to.  You can google Operation Christmas Child if you are interested in donating or even finding out more about it for your own church. 

What is neat about Operation Christmas Child is last year Brandon received a box.  All 150 children in his orphanage received one in fact.  He had the disappointment of receiving a mislabeled box that was actually for a girl, but still he enjoyed the candy and pencils anyway.  He received a Barbie doll and some other things as well.  I'm thankful to whoever sent a box to my little boy!

It was a little surreal shopping with my son for these items this year.  His expression was unique.  It was as if it is still all too familiar to him since he was on the receiving end of a little box just months ago.  He seemed awkward as he was packing a box to give to another little child “without a Mama and Papa” as he says.  He still has that “awe” factor, like this is all too good to be true.

Anyway, if you’ve never packed a box before, I’d encourage you to check it out.  You have no idea how much a simple, little box can impact a child’s life.  If for nothing else, it lets a little child know that someone out there cares enough to send them something.  This may be the tool that points them to Jesus.