Faithful Observations Operation Christmas Child 2020
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” -Matthew 28:19
Is there anyone who isn’t aware of Operation Christmas Child sponsored by Samaritan’s Purse? We have done several columns about this wonderful ministry and with collection week coming up, Jane and I gave Cliff Hall a call and arranged a visit over coffee.
Cliff is an amazing retiree who is the area coordinator for the Panhandle from St. Maries, Moscow to the Canadian border. Of course neither Cliff nor any of his twenty year round volunteers or the more than 50 seasonal volunteers who pitch in this time of year are paid. They do this as a labor of love to reach millions with the gospel.
More than 9,000 shoeboxes will be gathered in North Idaho and more than 11 million boxes were distributed last year collected by 90,000 volunteers in more than ten countries! This is more than a box of gifts filled with toys, school supplies and hygiene items for needy children around the world. In each box is a booklet entitled “The Greatest Gift” inviting the children to participate in a 12-week course entitled the “The Greatest Journey.” Local churches partner with Samaritan’s Purse to lead these classes.
More than 178 million children in 150 countries have received an Operation Christmas Child shoebox and 23.3 million children have enrolled in the program to follow Christ and share Him with others. More than 11.2 million of these boys and girls have made a decision to accept Jesus as their Savior during the course. Many are now praying for and sharing their faith with family and friends.
You can pick up your shoeboxes at your church or contact Cliff Hall at readromans5.8@gmail.com or call him at (208) 755-2940. If you would like a presentation at your church or organization about Samaritan’s Purse Cliff can arrange that also.
Of course Samaritan’s Purse is also involved in disaster relief, medical missions and many other ministries around the world. In fact, Cliff said there are 10 volunteers involved in disaster relief efforts from North Idaho and have been on the front line a lot recently with hurricane and fire relief.
You can go online to samaritanspurse.org to learn more about building a shoebox and how to fill it. This is a great family activity and you are encouraged to include a letter and pictures of your family that makes this a personal gift to the recipient. Cliff said there are many stories of children keeping those letters for years.
For any of you that are impacted by COVID-19 you can pack your box online with a donation and even include your letter and picture online also. Praying for your box as it is on its way is also important. You can also have your box tracked and you will be informed when and where it was delivered.
Cliff related a story about a retiree in Everett, Wash., who makes toys out of scrap wood for the boxes and in fact made 2,800 little wooden cars for the boxes this year in our area. Others have sewn pillow cases or other craft items also.
There are places to volunteer at collection points to pack larger boxes and load trucks. This is an exciting time to be part of the great commission and as Cliff says, “You want to be a missionary? We will have the opportunity!”
Collection week is Nov. 16-23, so there is time to get your boxes together. Samaritan’s Purse asks for a $9 donation to cover the cost of distribution around the world for each box. You can find drop off locations by ZIP code online with other information or contact Cliff Hall with questions.
Bob’s religion columns appear Saturdays in The Press. Email Bob: bjshill@mac.com
