Princeton First Baptist Church hosted a luncheon Friday at noon with 50 in attendance to hear firsthand from someone who received a shoebox as a child through the Operation Christmas Child program.
Analyn Elliott was born in the Philippines and received a shoebox when she was 10 years old. She currently lives in Alaska with her husband and two children but knows the importance of this ministry and travels the country sharing how that shoebox years ago changed her life.
She told how as a child a single pencil was something special to receive but when the local church provided an entire box full of goodies it was amazing that people from across the world would care enough to send such a gift to children they didn’t know.
She still carries the stuffed bunny that was included that brought joy to her heart and remembers praying for a box of crayons and seeing one in her box. Now as an adult, she is active in the ministry that brought the love of God into her life and prays that people will continue to pack those boxes for other children that need the same joy and love.
She shared that something as simple as a box of crayons can make a difference in someone’s life.
Ruth Gray serves as the chairperson for the shoebox ministry at Princeton First Baptist and also for the region.
Operation Christmas Child began in 1993 when a friend of Franklin Graham suggested he start a program that sent gifts to children around the world who were in need of the love of God. That began the ministry in Charlotte North Carolina which continues 30 years later with includes over 209 million boxes begin distributed across the world in 170 Countries.
Last year over 10.6 million shoeboxes were shipped with the United States being 1 of 8 countries providing them. In addition to sharing the message of Jesus, they also include training and discipleship to those receiving Christ. The ministry is not just for Baptists but includes multiple denominations and many local churches participate in packing the boxes.
Pam Dunbar shared that her church is just beginning to be a part of the program.
Debbie Hopper noted hearing from someone who received a shoebox brought to life the importance of providing them and encouraged others to consider joining the effort.
Gray stressed that every shoebox is important and can change a life. The regional drop off for the boxes will be November 13-20 at First Baptist and they welcome a single box or multiple boxes.
She added that if anyone is interested in being a part of providing shoeboxes individually or as a group you can contact her at 270-836-8028 for more information on how to get involved.
