One of our church’s mission outreaches is taking the opportunity to participate as individuals and groups with Operation Christmas Child. Items are purchased and donated so shoeboxes can be packed for boys or girls ages 2-14. The shoeboxes are later sent to orphanages or less fortunate children around the world.

Our church family enjoys collecting items all year round, often getting ideas from the list posted monthly in our bulletin. After items are collected, we plan different packing parties—our ladies’ group, Kids 4 Truth, Youth Alive or even all-church packing. It is so exciting to help the young children select those school supplies, toiletry items, clothing, tools, crafts, stuffed animals, jewelry, sports or games. Each time we pack shoeboxes, we pray over each box. God directs each box to go to the right child. Upon receiving the shoebox, each child hears the Gospel message in their own language and many accept Christ as their Savior.

Our church has also volunteered to be a county dropoff site yearly the 3rd week in November. During that time, we receive shoeboxes from groups, families, or churches who have packed shoeboxes. We then fill cartons and deliver them to Woodlands Church in Plover for shipping to a processing center. What a joy it is to have a small part in this ministry!!!