Find out how we’re increasing our involvement in Operation Christmas Child
Many of you are getting yourselves and/or your children organised to pack a Christmas present (shoebox) for a child you will never meet. But I’m not writing to tell you about Operation Christmas Child, because it’s clear from the number of boxes received each year, that this is something close to your heart.
I am, however, pleased to tell you about the step of faith that we as a church are taking in becoming an Operation Christmas Child Collection Centre. This is an exciting opportunity for us to be God’s hands and feet. On the one hand we’re able to reach the children receiving the shoeboxes and make a difference in their lives, and on the other hand it’s giving us the opportunity to connect with our community, which we would otherwise not have the ability to do.
How it will work during Collection Week
We’ll be opening our church doors to receive Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes during National Collection Week in November. Opening times will be 9.30am-12.30pm, Monday 11 to Friday 15 November. This will provide a natural way to welcome and chat to members of our community. Volunteers will encourage them by sharing about the impact of their shoebox gifts, offer to pray with them for the children receiving them, and then invite them to more of our own church activities and Christmas events.
Samaritan’s Purse will be providing us with displays and materials, which will look welcoming and provide prompts for easy conversations. A number of you have kindly volunteered, and we’re so grateful. If anyone else would like to come and be a part of this exciting week, then please do let me know (in the office) as there is plenty for anyone of any ability to get involved in.
Let’s be praying for that week, for our volunteers to be filled with the Holy Spirit, for our community to be encouraged, for the children to be greatly blessed, and for God to be glorified.
Tanja Patten, OCC Church Collection Centre coordinator
