First Baptist Church St. Simons Island

Shine Brightly With Operation Christmas Child

Shine Brightly With Operation Christmas Child

Optional Scripture: Psalm 43:3 (theme selected text)

Acts 13:47 “For this is what the Lord has commanded us: “‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”

Almost anyone who knows me knows how much I love the ministry of Operation Christmas Child. It’s such a meaningful way to follow the Lord’s commandment. As we fill each box, we are shining our lights for God and sending salvation literally to the ends of the earth.

For the past 20 years, more than 100 million children in 130 countries around the world have been introduced to God’s love through the shoebox ministry. These are children not only in need of gifts, toiletries, and school supplies, but in need of God. Children receiving shoeboxes are offered booklets in their own language about God’s greatest gift – Jesus. Like the Gentiles, they often have no knowledge of God and that he is the one true God. And they certainly know nothing about Jesus Christ.

This year, I had a chance to participate in shoebox packing parties with our youth and children. To see their faces, full of joy in their acts of giving, has made this a most special Christmas season. Our youth and children, along with the Boys and Girls Club, filled more than 60 boxes collectively! And our church family did a total of 191.

While shopping for some toys and other goodies for the children’s packing party, I overheard a young mother on the next aisle telling another woman how Operation Christmas Child has become an annual tradition for her family. Her young boys give up receiving one gift from their lists and, instead, each fills a shoebox. As a reward, they get a family popcorn, pajama and movie night. That made my day!

Thank you for your participation and support in this important life-changing, life-saving ministry. Truly our lights will shine brightly as our gifts travel to young boys and girls, and their families, in need of God’s love this year.