Operation Christmas Child

We are always very excited when we find opportunities to serve others that our children can get involved in. In the past, one way we have done this by packing Thanksgiving Day baskets with all of the ingredients for a holiday meal for families in need. The boys helped me at the grocery store pick out all of the items we needed and eagerly filled the basket. Another opportunity that we've been a part of is Project Angel Tree, which the boys were able to participate in buying gifts for children whose parent(s) is in prison. This year, our Sunday school class and many within our church, have embraced Operation Shoe Box. It is a wonderful, wonderful ministry of Samaritan's Purse and gives Christmas gifts (that fit into a shoe box) to children around the globe. Included in the box, is not only a message from the boys, but the message of Christ. Each child gets a Bible in their own language. For many this is not only their first gift, it is the first time that they have heard about the gift of salvation through Christ.

We had fun at Walmart loading our boxes with toy cars, toy airplanes, balls, coloring books, crayons, balloon rockets, a shirt and some toiletries. It's amazing how much can fit in a box!!! We are excited because we were able to download an informational coloring sheet from their website that the twins got to fill out and color. They got to tell the recipient about themselves (where they live, what they like to do, their favorite foods, and why they love Jesus!). What a great way to personalize this gift for the giver as well as the receiver!!!

We hope that by participating in such things, we will teach our boys about love and giving. We pray that they will see beyond themselves in a culture that is so "me" driven. We pray that their eyes will be opened to God's grace in their lives. And I am humbled because so often I just think of these things around the holidays. I pray that we will continually be mission minded!