With the entrance of the fall season, it is time for us as a church to bring our thoughts to our Operation Christmas Child (OCC) ministry. OCC, through Samaritan’s Purse, provides God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world, and together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Last year, over 10.5 million boxes were collected worldwide. Faith Lutheran church packed and donated 25 boxes to OCC. I would love to set a goal of 50 boxes this year. That is 25 more children who get to learn about God’s love and the Good News of Jesus Christ–all because of our generosity! I know it is a lofty goal, but I also know we can make it with God’s help.
This year Samaritan’s Purse has provided us two ways to accomplish our goal. You can pack boxes on your own by either providing your own shoebox and printed label. Even if you have packed shoeboxes for OCC in the past, please read their updated instructions here. Once you have finished packing, you will need to bring your boxes back the week of November 8. Pastor will bless the boxes during worship services on November 15.
You can also ‘pack’ boxes online for those of us who would like to participate but are not comfortable going out to the stores just yet. Boxes packed online are specially packed for easier passage through customs in hard-to-reach nations in the world. I have set up a goal page called Faith Lutheran Lake Forest OCC Boxes. You can access it through the link provided. You can ‘pack’ online boxes as soon as you get the link, and will have until November 14. https://build-a-shoebox.samaritanspurse.org/goal/view/3e25eef5-f829-49de-bed1-7299b6856401
In Him,
Nicole Gay
Photo credit: Courtesy of Samaritan’s Purse