Samaritans Purse
In November, the elementary GEMS and Cougar Cadets put together boxes of love to send to children throughout the world, through the Samaritan’s Purse organization’s “Operation Christmas Child.” Our congregation donated items (such as toys, hygiene items, and school supplies) and our GEMS and Cadets packed these into shoeboxes. We talked about kids that don’t have what we have, thought about sharing Jesus with others, and had a fun evening putting together the boxes. We compiled 72 shoeboxes!
This year, the Samaritan’s Purse organization told us where our shoeboxes were sent. I’m delighted to report that children in such diverse places as Sudan, Zambia, Guyana, Central African Republic, Southwest Asia, and Gabon received the gifts from our congregation. Look up these places on a map, and show your children. I think everyone will be amazed when they see where our gifts have gone! You can see more about these countries and this organization at the website samaritanspurse.org.
In the words of the Samaritan’s Purse e-mails: “These boxes let hurting children know that they are not forgotten. These gifts may be the first some children have ever received. Along with the smiles and laughter that come with the gifts, children learn about the love of Jesus Christ. This is the power of a simple gift.” Please pray for the children who received these boxes — that God will prepare their hearts to receive Jesus and live for Him.