SHOEBOX SUNDAY 16TH NOVEMBER 2020

Give A Child A Reason to Smile In A Time Of Crisis

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope

Jeremiah 29:11

Dear New Life Church,

This year has brought new challenges, hasn’t it? Many things we were looking forward to in 2020 have been cancelled - from the Olympics to school graduation celebrations. Children around the world, especially those in contexts of poverty have struggled with this uncertainty and sadly sometimes grief.

With so many ongoing challenges for many families, let’s remind the world’s children that they are loved and special to God. A shoebox gift through Operation Christmas Child does just that, while bringing a great big smile to the face of all those little ones who receive them.

It’s More Important Than Ever to Offer Children a Light in The Darkness.

Our local partners have shared with me that in times of disaster the emotional needs of children can be forgotten. Speaking about outreach events in the Bahamas after Hurricane Dorian, Raoul (OCC Regional Director for the Caribbean) shared that:

“Operation Christmas Child gave children a voice to say ‘We’re here and we are hurting too.’ Receiving a shoebox gift and being part of these events helped children to feel they weren’t forgotten and that God still loved them.”

Will You Partner with Us Once More When So Many Need to Feel Loved?

Prioritising Safety

Rest assured, the safety and health of children receiving Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts, our volunteers, staff, and our ministry partners is our top priority. Our UK team are monitoring the government guidelines and modifying our processes accordingly. Globally we are also working with our international volunteer leadership teams in 119 countries to assess ministry activity and make the necessary modifications.

We’ve Been Working Hard to Bring Relief from Suffering. Now Let’s Share a Reason to Smile.

Throughout the pandemic Samaritan’s Purse has been able to respond to meet the physical and spiritual needs of so many. I’ve personally overseen the use of our Operation Christmas Child warehouse to pack and deliver essential PPE kits to over 400 projects across the UK. Our field hospitals have treated COVID-19 patients in Italy and New York and our teams are working hard to fight the virus in communities around the world.

Alongside this work I believe it’s time to ensure vulnerable children have a reason to smile. Through Operation Christmas Child we can create thousands of joyful moments and give lasting hope as children receive shoebox gifts and local partners share the Good News of new life in Jesus.

Thank you on behalf of so many precious young lives for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Nick Cole

Director of Operation Christmas Child UK