Who would’ve thought that putting some small objects in a shoebox and sending that to a third world country where children in a village could receive a present and therefore be introduced to the concept of receiving a gift at “Christmas”? Operation Christmas child has been the most remarkable Christian program that has been able to take something simple and introduce it to a child in a country that doesn’t acknowledge Jesus and then offer to teach them about the greatest gift of all, the coming of Jesus. It’s a truly wonderful thing to be a part of. Praise God for the work of Samaritans Purse. Our world is filled with so much sadness so it’s good to be part of something so positive.
At Hampstead Gardens, we owe an enormous amount of gratitude to Alick and Glenys and their faithful helpers for over 20 years of generous ministry. The making and collecting of the gifts and the subsequent fellowship of putting those gifts into shoeboxes and getting them sent to those who could benefit and enjoy these gifts has been a blessing. Even the connection that can happen through the simple photograph of our group here with a child in another country is truly amazing! Please pray for those who will be receiving a gift over the next few months. We praise God for the faithful work of those in our church for making this possible. We truly have been blessed to be a blessing to others. Interesting verses from Luke that mentions the joy of giving and the packing of lots of items into the confined space such as a shoebox expresses how much love you are sending to these children.
“Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6:37-38, ESV.