by Debbie Vanaman
Well hopefully most of the ice and snow by now will be behind us and spring is just around the corner (hopefully). Despite the word Christmas in its title, the program distributes shoeboxes to children around the world all year long. Last year over 10.6 million shoeboxes were collected worldwide. WHAT A BLESSING. To think it all starts with an empty shoebox.
To see a child’s face light up when he or she gets that special new toy that someone packed just for them is why we do what we do. Another blessing is the school supplies that are packed. Many children can’t go to school because their families can’t afford something as simple as a pencil or a box of crayons. And on the personal hygiene side of the box, toothbrushes are a big hit. I’ve heard stories of as many as six children using the same toothbrush and for a child to have their very own just makes their day.
And to top it all off, they get to share in the stories of Jesus and how his love reaches even to the uttermost parts of the world right into their towns. The book is called “The Greatest Journey” and it walks the children step by step into who Jesus is and that he died on the cross for them. Many, many decisions have been made and countless families have been impacted by this program.
Now it’s time for you to help. We will be collecting SMALL stuffed toys for the month of March (and I do mean small.) Collection boxes are in the Welcome Center and Fellowship Hall. Your prayers are also appreciated as Samaritan’s Purse continues to spread the love of Jesus around the world through the power of a shoebox. God bless you all.