Operation Christmas Child holds kick-off event at Albany First Baptist

An Operation Christmas Child Kick-Off Event was held on Tuesday, Sept. 17 at Albany First Baptist Church.

More than 50 people were in attendance to learn more about Operation Christmas Child and how a shoebox delivers the gospel around the world.

Rising Son Ministries led in praise and worship. Kate Tanis was the guest speaker and gave a presentation about a shoebox distribution project in the Philippines in July of 2013.

The trip was a rare opportunity to partner with national leadership teams in hand delivering these shoebox gifts to hurting children around the world.

Robin Halcomb said, “This was a fantastic presentation. Kate was a great speaker. Her presentation was thought-provoking.”

Jean Maupin says, “It was informative, inspirational, and challenging.” Leslie Stockton said, “It blessed my soul.” Jordan Cross said that she cried continually during the presentation and wants to now pack boxes for everyone.

Operation Christmas Child is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2013 and has taken part in donating more than 100 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in need across the globe.

The project of international non-profit Samaritan’s Purse has now reached children in more than half of the world’s countries with these shoeboxes which contain items such as toys, school supplies, hygiene items and hard candy, along with a message of hope in Jesus Christ.

These shoeboxes will be packed and sent to a local relay center and collection centers across the United States in what is known as National Collection Week on Nov. 18-25. This year, the project has set a goal of sending 9.8 million more shoeboxes to children worldwide, many of whom may have never received a gift before in their lives.

Local residents and churches in the Clinton County area can drop off their shoeboxes at Albany First Baptist Church which will be a relay center for the project for the second-consecutive year.

In 2012, the church collected 538 shoeboxes and has set a goal of more than 600 this season.

Albany First Baptist Church is part of a larger effort across the Lake Cumberland region to collect more than 20,000 gift-filled shoeboxes in 2013.

To find out how you can get involved and pack your own shoebox, visit www.samaritanspurse.org.