Operation Christmas Child

Matthew 19:14
But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

Hello everyone. I hope this post finds you all blessed and well! It's that time of year again. The time when we look outside of ourselves more, and look upon those afflicted, worn, and unnoticed by the world. In scripture, over and over, we see Jesus talk about little children. Allow them to come unto me, have faith like a little child, dont offend a little one that believes in me. Children are a heritage from the Lord, and so very many of them are hurting. They lack basic clothing, food, and shelter, the things most of us take for granted. Wouldn't it make you feel nice to know someone from around the world, cared enough to care for you. Jesus also said, if you give a cup of water to a little one in my name, no doubt you shall have your reward too! He cares and so should we.

I want to talk a bit today about a WONDERFUL charity, that brings love and smiles in to a countless number of little lives. It's called, Operation Christmas Child. This charity is run by Franklin Graham, the son of Billy Graham. It is part of the Samaritian's Purse family of charities. To read more information on this, visit, http://www.samaritanspurse.org/OCC.asp?MPGID=1

Operation Christmas Child collects shoe boxes, filled with items such as toys, hygiene items, and candy, each year, from regular people like you and me. Collection is coming up SOON! Listed below are some items that are recommended and some that are not, to help you decide.

(Great Gift Ideas)
-Bibles, small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, small Etch A Sketch®, toys that light up or make noise (with extra batteries), Slinky®, etc.
-pens, pencils and sharpener, crayons or markers, stamps and ink pad sets, writing pads or paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books, etc.
-toothbrush, toothpaste, mild bar soap (in a plastic bag), comb, washcloth, etc.
-Hard candy and lollipops (please double bag all candy), mints, gum, T-shirts, socks, ball caps; sunglasses, hair clips, toy jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries)

(DO NOT INCLUDE)
-Used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives or military figures; chocolate or food; liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snowglobes or glass containers; aerosol cans

These shoeboxes are collected by local churches. So please ask your local church of find a local church that is involved, and help bless a child with God's unconditional love!