As I reflect on our recent study of spiritual gifts and how each of us through our gifts can and should edify the church, the question that comes to mind is why we hesitate, wait, or not use our gifts and abilities at all?? Are we like Moses? God told him to go back to Egypt, to free His people, but Moses had a lot of excuses, didn’t he? Was it fear? He knew he messed up the last time when he took matters in his own hands, literally and killed a man. What about Jonah? Did he cling to selfishness and safety – fearful of surrendering to God’s will? Every time we step out in faith it can be just a little bit scary.
When sharing about Operation Christmas Child, doors open about the Gospel. I often feel like Moses and say to God “I’m not eloquent; send someone else;” or like Jonah “you want me to go where and do what?” God goes before us, He enables us, and He equips us; so we just need to train ourselves for godliness – to go where He leads us. Remember, God doesn’t have any useless children – we can all use our gifts to serve others whether it is through Operation Christmas Child. Community, Church Plant, Mentoring…fill in the blanks. Did you know there are OCC Area Teams comprised of people like you from various walks; people who serve to share about OCC through other churches, communities, students, logistic networks and through prayer? Is there a fit for you? Teddy Roosevelt said to “Do what you can with what you got where you are.” Wherever God leads us or whatever He wants us to do, we need to be obedient and we must persevere. There are people who are hungry and thirsty for God. OCC points people to God on both sides of a simple shoebox. Since 1993, over 188 Million Gospel Opportunities helped to bring children and many of their families and communities out of darkness into the light. Will you help to bring that light to others?
God has a way to accomplish His will for our lives. We can celebrate and always be thank-full for all that He is doing and will do in our lives. We are in His Hands and I for one am joyful.
Millions of Gospel Opportunities!
Join us in praising God for 10,505,155 shoebox gifts packed and donated worldwide! This represents 10,505,155 children and Gospel opportunities that you made possible. Millions of these children will go on to complete The Greatest Journey discipleship program, in which they will learn more about following Christ.
This worldwide number includes 9,127,591 shoeboxes donated in the U.S, with over 315,000 built online! Fulfillment of the Build a Shoebox Online gifts began just a few days ago at the Charlotte Processing Center.
Connect Volunteers, we praise God for you! In the midst of another challenging year, you trusted God and continued working faithfully on your Area Teams. God has blessed your efforts, and we are thanking Him for this harvest of Gospel opportunities—over and above our goal!
Please continue to pray with us. We are asking God to prepare the hearts of children and their families to receive the Gospel. Pray also for the Ministry Partners who are taking these gifts to children all over the world and leading The Greatest Journey.
We can’t wait to see how God works through these shoebox gifts this year. It’s a privilege to serve with you in this ministry.
“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” – Ephesians 3:20-21
February Colletions
In February, we will be collecting high quality small stuffed animals. There is a box in the lobby of Littlestown Chapel for your items. If you have any questions, please contact us!
Our Calendar
For planning purposes the following items will be collected each month. (Of course if there is a bargain out there, you can collect these items any time!)
March – Toothbrushes (No toothpaste, please)
April – Small Toys, Books, and stickers
May – Girl’s Clothing
Jun – Boy’s Clothing
Jul – Jewelry, hair clips, sunglasses, fishing tackle, sewing items, etc
Aug – School Supplies
Sep –Cold Weather items
Oct – Money for shipping and letters to a child. Donations for shipping are also welcomed throughout the year!
Nov – Packing Party
National Collection Week is Nov 14th – 21st , 2022!