Giving This Season, One Box at a Time

Written by: Kidway

Thanks to your generosity, love, and care for the children across the world, Gateway Church has collected 329 shoeboxes full of toys and supplies for Samaritan's Purse and the Operation Christmas Child project. The mission of Operation Christmas Child is to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world. Through this project, Samaritan’s Purse partners with the local church worldwide to share the Good News of Jesus Christ and make disciples of the nations. 

In addition to hearing the Gospel before they receive their shoebox gift, children also receive The Greatest Gift, a storybook that shares the message of salvation. With the Apostle John as narrator, the booklet shares 11 Scripture stories and invites children to follow Christ. Children take this home to share with family and friends. It is used in more than 100 languages.

Here is a video from Samaritan’s Purse that walks you through the process the shoebox travels through and the intentional focus on Christ that travels with it.

I also want to take this opportunity to thank Rich and Sherry Shultis for again organizing a team of volunteers so Gateway can serve as the regional drop off locations as thousands of boxes are collected, counted, and then picked up for Samaritan’s Purse. It’s amazing to see how near and dear this ministry is to our church family.

Please take some time over the next week to pray for our Operation Christmas Child Boxes. Here is a sample prayer you may use, if you would like.

“Dear God, I pray that you are with the volunteers of Operation Christmas Child as they count, process, and package thousands upon thousands shoeboxes. May the boxes travel and arrive safely and intact so they may be used to glorify you. And most importantly, may the youth who receive the boxes experience your presence and know that Jesus loves them. May many youth and families turn to you Lord through the work of Operation Christmas Child and may your blessing be great upon it. Amen.”

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