Sharing God's Love through a Shoebox!

Last year was the first time my husband and I participated in "Operation Christmas Child" a ministry of Samaritan's Purse which has given to over 124 million children since 1993! We had great fun doing it but the best part is that the gospel is presented to each child as well as discipleship classes that are taught at each of their levels. The shoebox, filled with something wonderful for the child, is a great illustration to the children of God's love for them. That someone they don't know would send them a gift speaks volumes to them and often opens their heart to receive the gospel message like this girl from Moldova:
"In the former Soviet republic of Moldova, a teenaged Marina started a fire every morning to prepare food for her blind and bedridden grandmother. In the afternoon, she cut firewood, brought in water, and cleaned the house before doing her homework. In the throes of this schedule, she said, 'I do a man's and a woman's work in my grandmother's home.'
One day Marina was invited to an Operation Christmas Child shoebox distribution where she could be a kid for a little while. 'It was overwhelming to receive the present,' she said. Inside her shoebox she found a hat, scarf, and gloves as well as a notebook, toys, and a toothbrush and toothpaste. Her favorite was the hat and scarf set. The box also contained a letter that said, 'Jesus loves you.'
Shortly after she received the shoebox gift, a friend invited Marina to church. At first she couldn't comprehend anything the preacher said, but after a while Marina understood and accepted Jesus in her heart.
'I have peace in my heart since becoming a Christian,' she said. 'Knowing God makes me happy.'
Marina's father is paralyzed and lives in another part of Moldova. After her mother passed away two years ago, Marina lived alone with her grandmother until she also died in April. Now a local church is her family. Recently Marina helped hand out shoeboxes at an Operation Christmas Child distribution. She said, 'I never in my life had the opportunity to give presents to children, but today felt special.' Tears came, not due to her hard circumstances, but because this was the first time she had the privilege of giving a gift."
Christmas is a gift giving season, a reminder of the greatest gift ever given, and what better way to celebrate than to give to someone who does not know the love of Jesus! We paid the $7 shipping fee online and were able to track our package to Cambodia!
It was a privilege and a joy to do it again this year; would you consider joining us its still not too late! National collection week is November 16 - 23; if you live near me and would like a box just let me know and I can get you one! Below is a video on how to pack your shoebox and a few other fun bits of information!
Here is the official website which can answer any questions you may as well as testimonies and tips:    http://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/

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