Operation Christmas Child program was started in 1993 by Reverend Franklin Graham who is the President of Samaritan’s Purse. This is a wonderful humanitarian organization that helps suffering people worldwide by meeting their needs and sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Franklin Graham has led Samaritan’s Purse in following the example of the Good Samaritan throughout the world. Explosive growth has been experienced because of God’s blessing on this organization under the leadership of Franklin Graham.

Samaritan’s Purse has delivered a message of God’s love through gift-filled Christmas shoe boxes. Over 100 million boys and girls in more than 130 countries have experienced God’s love by receiving these shoeboxes. These gifts are a means to reach the hearts of children with the life-changing Good News of Jesus’ love.

In support of Operation Christmas Child, thousands join in to help purchase and fill shoeboxes with items for children all over the world. The shoeboxes contain fun gifts and personal hygiene items for children.

A follow-up program to Operation Christmas Child teaches children to become faithful followers of Jesus Christ. Boys and girls enroll in a 12-lesson discipleship program that introduces them to salvation through faith in Christ and encourages them to grow in their faith.

This is Morningside’s second year to join with Samaritan’s Purse to provide needy boys and girls a Christmas shoebox. Lori Bakker along with Master Media/GenerationNOW students, Morningside staff and volunteers packed 150 shoeboxes on Grace Street! Each box represented a Morningside staff member and the GenerationNOW students. Items included were personal hygiene supplies, stuffed animals, coloring books, matchbox cars, pencils, fun stickers, girl’s hair accessories, flashlights, playdoh, school supplies and many other exciting gifts.

And the gift goes on….

It is so fulfilling to know that children will be provided joy and hope for a better future and especially that they have the opportunity to know Jesus as their Savior.

In a broken world it is truly a blessing to represent the Lord Jesus Christ and be his hands and feet extended. Jesus is the reason for the season and He is the only One who can bring true peace because He is the Prince of Peace.

Excitement was in the air as the boxes were being packed. Some quotes from those interviewed while participating were:

“This brings back so many memories of filling shoe boxes with my boys James and Jonathan. And this year, we’re able to fill shoeboxes with the whole Morningside family!” -Tammy Sue

“There’s nothing better than shopping for little kids who have nothing.” -Kristi Blankenship

“It takes just a few minutes out of your time to do something so special – to put together a shoebox full of joy for a child. This box shows these children that Jesus loves them and there are people around the world that love them too! It’s exciting to think that we are a part of what God is doing around the world. -Lori Bakker

“I love to see the joy on their faces when the open the box. To think that the same thing speaks to children all around the world is amazing.” -Grandma Char

It is better to give than to receive… Giving to Operation Christmas Child brought much joy and satisfaction to those who participated in this outreach, Friday, November 22nd. The wonderful partners of the Jim Bakker Show and Morningside Church made this possible through their heartfelt prayers and faithful support. Thank you so much. Together we are making a difference.

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