By Matthew C. Keegan
Updated March 3, 2008
An annual rite of passage for millions of families is Operation Christmas Child, the shoebox ministry managed by Samaritan's Purse bringing hope to disadvantaged children around the world.
For more than fifteen years,
families across the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, the
Netherlands and other countries have had a wonderful opportunity to impact
the lives of less fortunate children across the globe. Through the ministry
of Samaritan’s Purse, an international relief organization headed up by
Franklin Graham, Operation Christmas Child has delivered more than 46
million shoeboxes filled with toys, personal hygiene items, booklets, school
supplies, and other items not readily available locally to many of the
recipients. What started out as a relatively small campaign to help homeless
children in Romania has expanded into one of the largest relief and
evangelical programs of its kind. It isn’t too early to start thinking about
how you and your family can participate – Operation Christmas Child is your
opportunity to impact young lives as well as demonstrate to your family the
real meaning of Christmas: giving.
Bob Pierce, Founder of World Vision and Samaritan’s Purse
Starting one ministry is daunting enough, starting two is an amazing feat that can only be successfully undertaken by someone who is fully surrendered to the lordship of Jesus Christ. Bob Pierce, who founded Samaritan’s Purse in 1970, had by that time managed World Vision for twenty years.[1] Samaritan Purse came about as Dr. Pierce was burdened with a desire to provide relief to wherever disaster struck. Today, World Vision is one of the largest child relief organizations currently helping children in nearly 100 nations across five continents.[2]
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Franklin Graham, Pierce’s Successor
During the 1970s, a young Franklin Graham began to work with Bob Pierce and soon felt called to help the world’s oppressed. Some eighteen months after Pierce’s death in 1978, Graham was elected president of Samaritan’s Purse a position he has held ever since.[3] In 1993, Samaritan’s Purse took over the work begun by a Welsh couple, David and Jill Cooke, who were burdened by the pressing needs of Romanian children, many of whom were orphaned and homeless. Today, nearly 8 million shoeboxes are distributed to children across the globe.[4]
Churches, Schools, and Civic Organizations Get Involved
The popularity and reach of Operation Christmas Child has expanded dramatically over the years, so much so that churches, schools, and civic organizations have made this project a part of their yearly calendar. Most campaigns begin in October and conclude in November, permitting some shoeboxes to reach their destination in time for Christmas. However, distribution takes place for months thereafter as the sheer scope of the work necessitates the coordination of gift delivery to far flung locations.
A Message Of Hope
Gospel booklets are not placed in the shoeboxes, however wherever possible and appropriate, a copy of “The Greatest Gift of All” is distributed with the gifts. These booklets are not sent by the children and families doing the packing, instead they are sent along with the shoeboxes for distribution. Just as Jesus met the physical and spiritual needs of those who were with him, Samaritan’s Purse attempts to do the same.[5]
National Collection Week: November 17-24, 2008
Although collection times may vary among organizations, the National Collection Week (USA) for 2008 covers an eight day period from November 17-24. Families may pack for either a boy or a girl with three age ranges given: 2-4, 5-9, and 10-14. Samaritan’s Purse asks families to include a check for $7 for each box packed to help defray shipping costs. For people wanting to underwrite the cost of shipping boxes, contributions are gratefully received.
Ready, Set, Pack!
Please see the sidebar for suggestions on what to place in the shoeboxes. Many families make Operation Christmas Child an annual event, planning months in advance to set aside unused shoeboxes and then heading to the store some time in October to select the appropriate content. In the event you do not have a shoebox handy, a comparable sized plastic box with lid can be used.
Although you may never know who received your gift, you can be assured of one thing: a child’s heart has been touched by your generosity as you bestow upon them a gift they will certainly never forget.
References:
[1] Dunker, Marilee Pierce. "Man of Vision." 2005.
http://www.worldvisionresources.com/product_info.php?products_id=282 (accessed July
5, 2007).
[2] WorldVision.com. "About World Vision: A Charitable
Christian Relief Organization...." n.d..
http://www.worldvision.org/about_us.nsf/child/aboutus?Open&lid=aboutus&lpos=topnav
(accessed July 5, 2007).
[3] DeMossNewsPond.com. "Franklin Graham Biography/Profile." n.d..
http://www.demossnewspond.com/bgea/presskit/fgbioprofile.htm (accessed
July 6, 2007).
[4] SamaritansPurse.ca. "Operation Christmas Child: What Is It?." n.d.. http://www.samaritanspurse.ca/occ/ (accessed July 6, 2007).
[5] BibleGateway.com. "Gospel of Mark, Chapter 8." 1960-1997. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%208%20;&version=49 (accessed July 5, 2007)
Further Reading:
Local Woman Brings Smiles To Children In Peru
Operation Christmas Child: Mission Delivery
Santa's Helpers Off To Uruguay
The Trip Of A Lifetime, For The Gift Of A Lifetime
Author Information:
Matthew C. Keegan is a freelance writer who makes his home in Cary, North Carolina with his wife and two children. Matt writes about a variety of topics including aviation, personal business, automotive, and Christian issues. Please visit his blog and portfolio for additional articles.