Operation Christmas Child

It may seem strange to be talking about Christmas in July, but that’s precisely what we are encouraging you to do! The greatest gift we could give is the love of Jesus. That’s why our faith family is excited to once again partner with Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse. Each year, Operation Christmas Child sends hope, joy, and the message of Jesus Christ to children around the world through a simple shoebox gift.
Operation Christmas Child is a global outreach initiative that delivers gift-filled shoeboxes to children in over 170 countries and territories worldwide. Each box is packed with fun toys, school supplies, hygiene items, and — most importantly — the love of Christ. For many children, this will be their first gift ever. I had the privilege to experience this personally last year when I was able to present one of the shoeboxes packed at FBC to a child in Nepal. The joy on her face as she tentatively opened her special box is unforgettable! She hugged and kissed the little doll in her box and would not put it down! I loved watching as she and her mom looked at each item in her box with such gratitude and wonder.
But it’s more than just a box. Every shoebox is also an opportunity for a child to hear about God’s love through The Greatest Gift, a Gospel booklet distributed alongside the shoeboxes in their own language. This impacts not only the child but the whole family as they share in their child’s special box. Many also have the chance to participate in The Greatest Journey, that teaches them how to follow Jesus and share their faith with others.

There are several ways for everyone to get involved:

First:

You can Pack a Shoebox – Pick up an empty shoebox from the church or use one of your own. Fill it with small toys, school supplies, hygiene items, and a personal note or photo. Choose to pack for a boy or girl in one of three age categories (2–4, 5–9, or 10–14) and bring your box to the FBC Beaumont Campus. Also, AWANA kids will have an opportunity to pack a box and bring it to AWANA to participate in a contest to see which group packs the most boxes!

Second:

You can make a financial donation through the link provided below. These donations will be used to purchase items to fill shoeboxes at the Packing Party!

These shoeboxes will go to the most unreached people groups. A box can be packed for roughly $15 dollars, but any amount helps! (Donate To Help Purchase ItemsAll proceeds go towards ordering items to pack boxes to be sent through FBC Beaumont. 

Third:

Pray for the children who will receive these gifts, for the volunteers who distribute them, and for the local churches around the world who will share the Gospel through these boxes.

"Let’s come together as a church family to make a global impact — one shoebox at a time. Every gift is an opportunity to touch a child’s heart and introduce them to the hope we have in Jesus."

Theresa Rhodes

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