Operation Christmas Child
“Let the children come to Me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.”
Mark 10:14, ESV
The mission of Operation Christmas Child is 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
Learn How to Pack Your Own Shoebox
Pick up an empty shoebox at church or use any ordinary shoebox, fill it with a Wow item, toys, arts and crafts, personal items, and school supplies.
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All filled shoeboxes need to be returned to Evangel by Sunday, November 19th. A $10 donation is recommended for each box you pack to cover the shipping cost of the shoebox.
Learn More about Operation Christmas Child
Packing
From children to seniors, people pack shoebox gifts each year to bless children in need around the world. Parents often use the project to teach their kids about giving. Year-round volunteers support these efforts across the country.
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Collecting
Churches and groups of all sizes collect boxes from their communities. Some churches also serve as drop-off locationsfor shoeboxes the third week of November every year.
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Shipping
Thousands of volunteers serve annually inspecting and preparing shoeboxes for international shipping. Every hour work stops for a few minutes to pray for the children who will receive the boxes.
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Worldwide Distribution
Long before shoeboxes arrive in more than 100 countries, volunteer National Leadership Teams train pastors and community leaders who want to share the message of the Gospel and bless children. The leaders learn how to host child-friendly outreach events, and how to implement The Greatest Journey follow-up discipleship program.
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Outreach Events
Pastors around the world host outreach events in places where people may not know Christ and invite them to follow Him. Other churches use the boxes as resources for outreach in orphanages and other at-risk areas. In many places, they also offer The Greatest Gift, a Gospel story booklet Samaritan’s Purse developed for shoebox recipients, and invite children to participate in The Greatest Journey discipleship program.
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Discipleship & Multiplication
As a result of what they learn in The Greatest Journey, boys and girls grow in Christ and share with friends and family. The students also invite others to their graduations where the Gospel is shared. This often brings parents, siblings, and friends to accept Christ and become active members in the local church. Families are reached, churches grow, new churches are started, and communities are transformed.
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IT STARTS WITH YOU!