In a dedication ceremony recently, children of the Monroe Church brought treat-filled shoe boxes to the front of the church for Operation Christmas Child, while Alexandra Harvey, 11, sang, “Jesus Loves the Little Children.” Dedication prayers were offered by Jenna Christensen, 4, Bryanna Clay, 11, and Jill Clay, project leader. Seventy-seven shoe boxes were assembled and donated to this project.
Operation Christmas Child is a project organized by Samaritan’s Purse. It was founded in 1993 to provide Christmas gifts for children in war-torn Bosnia. Over the years the project has grown to provide more than six million children in more than 100 impoverished countries with shoe boxes packed with small toys and needed items.
Monroe Church members have experienced the joy of shopping adventures to fill shoe boxes with special gifts for children in need.
Other churches or individuals wishing more information about initiating such projects in their areas can contact Operation Christmas Child, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607; (828) 262-1980; or go to www.samaritanspurse.org
Monroe children brought the shoeboxes their families had filled, to be dedicated, before being sent to Operation Christmas Child.
After the Monroe Church family brought the filled shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child to church, the children prayed for the impoverished children who would receive them.
