Today’s post is by Diane Rice, the Inland Northwest Area Coordinator for the Operation Christmas Child Collection Center. It is comprised of notes she took at the Area Coordinator’s Conference in Boone, NC last March and she felt led to share them with us.

A small shoebox can have a BIG impact.

What goes into the box is fun, but what comes out of it is eternal. We are a part of changing children’s lives all over the world in Jesus’ Name through the power of a simple gift with Operation Christmas Child.

The Greatest Journey is a tool for building community national and internationally, through the giving and receiving of shoeboxes. Those who participate in donating or collecting shoeboxes, are entering another country without going. It’s a way for churches to act locally and globally to express Jesus love.

Samaritan’s Purse provides the linkage and framework for the churches to carry out the Great Commandment and the Great Commission.

As we go to the nations with the GO Boxes (Gospel Opportunities) and The Greatest Journey discipleship program, we make disciples of the precious children who receive the boxes in Jesus’ name.

David Thompson- International Director said, “You are the window into the world. The Greatest Journey events following the shoebox distribution, reach out into the communities sharing what YOU (project leaders) have mobilized into shoebox collections.

The gospel is multiplied through The Greatest Journey, by equipping the purposeful journey back into local churches, where recipients are able to connect with God.”

Lives are transformed by The Greatest Journey, first to a child, then to a Mom. The kids end up teaching parents and then the parents follow the kids to church.

And communities are changed.

It births faith in God.

Jim Harrelson- VP of Samaritan’s Purse explained,  “The shoebox is an evangelistic tool God has provided to reach children worldwide.”

“God is able to do immeasurably more than we can even ask or imagine…” Eph 3:20

Only through that Power, are we equipped to take the gospel to the ends of the earth. This is a GREAT STORY that we can be a part of . . . in our lifetime!

As these children experience the love of Christ,  they will change the world. 

Collection week is coming up, November 17-24th, so it’s time to begin gathering your supplies for your shoeboxes! As you do, please check out Ten Things You Should Know About OCC Shoeboxes so you’ll be ready!