Operation Christmas Child Is Back!

05Oct, 2022

Operation Christmas Child is a ministry of Samaritan's Purse that aims to demonstrate God's love in a tangible way to children in need around the world. Through this project, Samaritan's Purse partners with the local church worldwide to share the Good News of Jesus Christ and make disciples of the nations. Since 1993, more than 198 million children in more than 170 countries and territories have received an Operation Christmas Child shoebox. The project delivers not only the joy of what, for many kids, is their first gift ever, but also gives them a tangible expression of God’s love.

Today, thousands of churches and individuals fill shoeboxes with toys, hygiene items, school supplies, and more to be delivered to children all over the world for Christmas. It is a simple way to help those in need around the world and also to spread the joy and message of Christ during the Christmas season. Since 1990, shoebox gifts have been delivered to more than 157 million children, in over 130 countries.

This initiative doesn't end with the shoeboxes. After the boxes have been delivered, the OCC staff begins a 12 session bible study called, The Greatest Journey, to teach children and families all about who God is and what he has done for them. Since 2009, 30.9 million children have enrolled in this 12-lesson program to learn how to follow Christ and share him with others. More than 14.9 million of these boys and girls have made a decision to accept Jesus as their Saviour during the course. Many are now praying for and sharing their faith with family and friends. As a result of this ever-expanding witness, new churches are starting and communities are being transformed!

This year, SDBC will once again be a collection centre for these shoeboxes for the South Delta region. Starting this Sunday, shoeboxes will be available to be taken home to be filled in preparation for National Collection Week, which runs November 14th-20th.

We encourage you to take a shoebox this Sunday from the Spotlight Table and commit to filling it with toys, hygiene items, and school supplies to help those in need and bring them joy this Christmas. Boxes will also be available in the front office for pick-up, during office hours (Monday to Thursday, 9AM-4PM), starting next week.

We are in need of volunteers to serve with this ministry. Volunteer positions include greeters during Collection Week, prayer warriors, and drivers who will deliver collected boxes to Richmond. If you are able to help serve with this ministry, or have any questions about Operation Christmas Child, visit the Connect Desk in the foyer on Sunday to talk to a member of the team that will be heading up this initiative. You can also email Denise Johnston, who is the Local Logistics Coordinator for South Delta, or visit our OCC page.

For more information about Operation Christmas Child, click here.

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