by Debbie Vanaman
It’s hard to believe that summer is over and school has started again. 2016 has certainly been a busy year here at FBC and the fall is going to be no exception. We officially kicked off the shoebox 2016 season a few weeks ago with a presentation to recognize our 15 year participation with Samaritan’s Purse. What an accomplishment. Each year our total has topped the previous year and last year we hit an all time record of over 3,000 shoeboxes coming into our relay center from churches and organizations in the Raleigh and Fayette County area. Praise God for all of those children who will receive the word of God, some for the first time.
Our ladies here at FBC have made some absolutely adorable teddy bears which will be going in our shoeboxes that we pack in November. Thanks to all of you – you did an awesome job. Our collection of items has been going strong all year but we need to do one final push in the September and October months so we can have enough items to fill the shoeboxes that the youth will be doing in November. Our goal was to make 125 shoeboxes and your help in reaching this goal would be greatly appreciated.
For September we will be collecting toothbrushes, toothpaste & hair brushes
Finally, please keep the shoebox program as well as the entire Samaritan’s Purse organization in your prayers. Samaritan’s Purse has been a huge help with relief efforts right here in West Virginia after the June floods and this is something that they travel around the country doing each time there is a disaster. So it’s not just about shoeboxes – it’s about spreading God’s word and helping in a time of need. Speaking of help – please keep collection week which is Nov. 14th to Nov. 18th open – I will be calling for help in our relay center.