Operation Christmas Child

Our church has participated in a great mission that has really grown worldwide over the past few years. Basically, you take a shoebox and fill it up with some goodies and gifts that will be sealed up and shipped to children in countries all over the world.

This mission is part of Samaritan's Purse, an evangelistic organization founded by Billy Graham's son, Franklin Graham.

This is my first time to participate in this and I'm telling you it felt good to pack that little box and imagine and pray for the young lady who will receive it! I mean, I spent 20 bucks on the stuff to fill the box...20 bucks that I would probably have blown on this and that throughout the week.

If you decide to participate in something worthwhile this Christmas, you might consider this. The big collection week for boxes is coming up: November 16-23, and there are drop off locations everywhere. Check out the website for more information. Operation Christmas Child

You do have to include $7 shipping charge, but I found out you can pay that through their site and get a tracking number that will keep you informed via email of your package's progress and final destination, which I thought was pretty cool. You can also choose whether your box goes to a girl or boy and the age group of the child.

I chose a girl, aged 10-14 by the way, as you will notice from all the pink and bright colors that I added to my shoebox!

One key to this mission working is to pray for the child that gets your box.

Whether it's this or another mission - do something for someone else - it really doesn't have to be Christmas either you know!

My friend Diana has the right idea...regardless of her financial situation, she finds ways to pay it forward or brighten someone's day.  Check out her blogpost for some great ideas: Blessed in Texas.

Have a great weekend! :)