River will be packing shoeboxes for Samaritan’s Purse.

Why are we participating in Operation Christmas Child?

1. Operation Christmas Child provides an opportunity for a local worker on the ground to share the gospel with children and families. Each shoebox contains a Gospel presentation and follow up materials. The shoeboxes are presented by people who are already ministering in the countries where the boxes are delivered.
2. Participating in Operation Christmas Child gives us an opportunity to teach our kids the importance of making the good news of Jesus known to others. The gospel is the one thing that changes everything more than anything.
3. Participating in the Operation Christmas Child gives us an opportunity to help our kids see that they can be a part of making God’s love known to others. Whether those “others” are people overseas or neighbors and friends, God can use us to make his love known.

This year we will not be collecting items.

This year we will focus our energy on teaching our kids about the impact of sharing the gospel. The emphasis at the packing event will be to focus on making each box a quality box and to provide personal touches with a note and picture. We will also spend more time in prayer and ask God to use these boxes to make His love known.

We will pack boxes for girls and boys ages 5-9. All the supplies for the boxes will be provided.

Each child (ages 3-11) that comes will be able to pack a box. There will be supplies to put a personal note in the box and to special time to pray for the child receiving the box. We also will have time to pray for our friends who do not know Christ.

Two Participation Options

1. Pack a box with the provided supplies. We will have enough boxes for 100 children. Children ages 3-11 are welcome to pack a box. If you are willing please bring $20 to donate to cover the cost of the items in the box as well as shipping for the box. Our supplies will be for boys and girls ages 5-9
2. Bring your own items to put in the box. If you are able please bring $9 to cover the cost of shipping the box.
   Samaritan’s Purse has an interactive list of gift and supply suggestions. There are items that Samaritan’s Purse does not allow. Please read their instructions carefully.