Trunk or Treat Promotion

Trunk-or-Treat looked a little different at Sunset Canyon Baptist Church in Texas thanks to Sarah. She decorated her trunk with OCC goodies and handed out buttons, stickers, and more as her treats! 

What a GREAT IDEA!!! I would give out candy as well with stickers and brochures to all.. and perhaps go boxes and additional info for those who are interested! The timing couldn't be better!

Dancing Ribbons

Wow.. it has been a LONG time since I posted.. but it is time to start again. I hope you agree. We have a LOT going on here in Klamath Falls.... and there are tons of great ideas all over the web.. and it is DEFINITELY time to start thinking OCC again!

If you don't know what Operation Christmas Child is, click the tab at the top of the page to learn more....

Now for a lovely craft idea by Linda L. an OCC fan I met on FB. I love this!!

Now that you have seen them, you probably want to make these for your box as well. Right? They are so precious and will be so much fun for the child who receives them. And you could do many variations! Painting the rod, multiple ribbons, etc. 

Here are her instructions:

Basically it is a 3/8th inch x 12 inch wooden dowel with an eye screw in one end. Then I attached a rather large jump ring onto that eye screw. Then a key ring. I slid on a jingle bell onto another jump ring and put that on the key ring. Then I just tied the ribbons on the key ring. Cut the ends and added fray check to all ends. Rolled up and voila!! (Pins are not for the box) The ribbon is about 2 1/2 - 3 yards for older kids. About 1 1/2-2 yards for younger kids.

Easter Clearance is HERE

And now is the time!!! Walmart, Fred Meyers, Rite Aid, grocery stores, stores of ALL kinds have their Easter stuff on CLEARANCE!!! Most places will be 50% off today and keep going down and down in prices.

What can you get???

Stuffed animals!!! The stores are full of small stuffed animals, sized for an Easter basket they are perfect for the shoeboxes. Bunnies abound, but you can find all kinds, including MY favorite, lambs! Walmart's should be 1.49 today... and IF they make it to 75% they will be 74 cents but they often sell out before then.

CANDY! Remember, hard candy only... no chocolate. (Leave that to treat yourself.)

Small toys! Of all kinds... sidewalk chalk eggs, balls, etc.

School supplies. Yup, pencils and erasers and notebooks all themed for Easter. Bunnies, yes, but SOMETIMES items with christian themes as well.

Extras- cups, tshirts, etc.

And what about those eggs??? Well, they will probably go deeper in sales but what do we do with them??

There are tons of ideas! I love this one I found on ClipWithPurpose's pinterest page

http://www.craftinterrupted.com/2013/03/fun-jar-friday-38-nesting-eggs.html

All over the web are ideas on how to make maracas or shakers with plastic eggs. Or how about a mini sewing kit. For TONS of ideas check out pinterest and especially this board: http://www.pinterest.com/clipwithpurpose/eggcellent-ways-to-use-plastic-easter-eggs/

Easter Clearance for Operation Christmas Child coming SOON

First I want to take this opportunity to wish you all a blessed weekend as we remember what our Savior did for us on the cross and in His resurrection.

As you head to the stores this next week, consider purchasing some Easter Clearance items for your shoebox. In years past I have found wonderful stuffed animals, small and adorable, designed to fit in an Easter basket they fit perfectly in a shoebox. Walmart's Easter plush start at 2.97 so at 50% off (as is typical immediately after Easter) they are 1.49... IF you can get them when they go to 75% off they are only 74 cents, but they often sell out before that point.

Other things you might find include cups, pencils, erasers, small toys, notebooks, and more... sometimes with Christian themes. And don't forget the possibility of picking up hard candy for the boxes as clearance.

Each store paces their sales differently, so begin watching now and keep watching in the weeks to come. You may find a treasure for a child that will speak to their heart your love and the love of Jesus.

A Child's Giving Heart

I have shared many times that I got started with Operation Christmas Child many years ago when my kids were little. It was a blessing to do so and I have many memories of seeing my children WANT to give.

One of the main reasons this program is so dear to my heart is that it not only touches the heart of children overseas, but also right here, developing in OUR children a tender heart that desires to give and that is thankful for their own blessings. I watched that develop in my young children and have seen that continue now as they are older teens.

Today this was posted on Operation Christmas Child's Facebook page and I had to share as it speaks to this so beautifully:

>A 4 year old went shopping with his grandma, and together they made 2 boxes. A couple of days later he asked his mom "Why don't those kids have any toys?" His mom explained about poverty and sharing. Then he wanted to pretend that his mom was a needy child, and he went around the house choosing toys, and giving them to her. He commented, "I have a lot of toys." A couple of hours later, he said to her, "We need to pack more boxes. Seven more." She said, "You mean five more to add to the two you already made?" And he insisted, "No, 7 more!"

This year, take the time to pack a shoebox with your child and watch their heart bloom with love for others. You can learn more by reading about OCC here or at Samaritan's Purse's website.

If you are in Klamath Falls you can also join us this fall at our FIRST Community Wide Packing Party... even if you don't have the means to give, bring your child and let them pack a shoebox for a child in need... they can draw a picture or write a letter to include... and partake in the joy of giving. Details will be posted here as we get details locked down.

Distribution Video from April 4th in Pampanga

 So blessed with each video and picture to see the love of God going forth to these precious children. Remember, the distributions will be continuing for months... keep praying and rejoicing for our God is doing great works! (I especially love the pictures of the students doing the Greatest Journey Discipleship books!)

KLAMATH KMART CLEARANCE

Sadly our KMart here in Klamath Falls is closing... but in that circumstance is a possibility for great deals. Sales are already underway but clearance prices will only accelerate as the closing date approaches. Plus, toys, clothes, school supplies, flip flops, candy, filler, washcloths, and practical items might all be available at great prices. I pray that we will find the great deals that will bless many many children. Happy Shopping!!

Klamath Falls FIRST ANNUAL Community Wide Packing Party THIS YEAR

For a LONG time God has been building in me a desire to have a community wide packing party here in Klamath Falls. This year is the year we begin!!

  OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

                    First Annual

        Community Packing Party

          Klamath Falls Oregon

This year, for the first time in Southern Oregon, we will have a community packing party, right here in the Klamath Basin, in OCTOBER, location and date to be announced.

Our prayer is that this packing party will be a blessing HERE in the Basin. It will be an opportunity for individuals and families to come and pack a shoebox, whether they can afford to do so on their own or not and to experience the joy and blessings of giving to children in need and to participate in the sharing of Christ’s love around the world.

We pray also that it will be an opportunity to share with many throughout our area that our God is a living and active God as they hear the stories of the work God is doing through Operation Christmas Child. 

This will be a time for us to come together, from around the Basin, and to work together in carrying out the Great Commission!

If you want to help, if you have items to donate, or if you just want more information, come to one of our informational meetings or leave a message here or visit us on Facebook at OCC Southern Oregon! I will keep this page updated about all upcoming meetings and any info as we make plans.

So when are our first meetings??? Friday April 4th at 6:30 pm and Saturday April 5th at 1pm at Calvary Chapel Klamath Falls. Come to either one to learn more and to get involved. 

You Have Been Challenged.... Challenged to Make Bracelets for Shoeboxes!!

Blogger, Ashley, has written a post challenge to craft for the shoeboxes.... If you have ever made friendship bracelets, have a kit to do so, or a rainbow loom, you know how they can pile up. Give purpose to your crafting and share the love!

Read Ashley's blog post and get inspired!

If you make more bracelets than YOU need for your shoeboxes, we will be having a community wide packing party here in Klamath this fall... or you can give to your church if they pack shoeboxes, or one of several church packing parties! Your bracelet will be a blessing!

And if you love crafting, come to our area crafting events, or craft on your own for your boxes or for area packing parties. There are tons of ideas on the pinterest links or the crafting tab here.... but you may have your own.

Our next crafting event is April 5th from 2-4 at Calvary Chapel Klamath Falls!

Being the Hands and Feet of Jesus.. and a new resource by Focus on the Family and Operation Christmas Child

I love serving... of course with Operation Christmas Child... not not ONLY with Operation Christmas Child. I serve because Christ taught us service throughout His life unto His death, and He taught us love and mercy and kindness. I serve with my children because I want my children to understand the blessing that serving is and its value. Through the years our family has served in so many wonderful and interesting ways... and that is why I am thrilled to share with you a WONDERFUL RESOURCE to help you serve as a family, whether a couple or with children and even ideas for those of you who are single. Of course, it has TONS of ideas for Operation Christmas Child but SO MUCH MORE.

I pray that this day as you read through the kit that your heart is stirred to serving in the name of the Lord, to be His hands and feet, and that you are blessed through this service!

 https://s3.amazonaws.com/occ/2013_OCC_Family_Service_Kit.pdf 

Build a Box Online - Anytime is a good time to bless a child

Happy Valentine's Day!!! How about sharing the love today through a shoebox?

Yes... I know. Shoebox season is kinda over for many of us. Others are well on their way for sale shopping and crafting for next year. But did you know you can still send shoeboxes THIS year? Through Build A Box online you can make a personal box, picking items, including a photo and note and sending them NOW.

Good News. Great Joy!

You can still help share God's love with children around the world even if you don’t have time to shop for and pack an Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift. With a few clicks of your mouse or swipes on your touchscreen, you can build a shoebox online.

Make it your own by choosing from a list of gifts, then add a personal letter and photo. We'll pack your shoebox and send it for you, for a suggested donation of just $30.

And did you know that packing a shoebox online means it can go to even the most sensitive areas with the most stringent restrictions, such as the Middle East??

Its simple... its fun.. its personal.. and it is powerful!

https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/buildonline/

Fill Your Shoeboxes with Loads of Love... Crafting Ideas for OCC

I love to include something homemade in my shoeboxes!! And with Valentine's Day around the corner I thought love themed crafts especially appropriate. I pray as I create the items... and I hope that the child receiving can feel the love with which the items are made. That said I am NOT crafty... so simple is important to me. There are SO many options... check the pinterest links in the right sidebar for MORE ideas... but here are a few to get you started!

 

This idea is one I have been doing a lot lately... take old broken crayons and make them into chunky multi-colored crayons for 2-4 year olds. Don't have broken crayons? Ask a local Sunday School, Kindergarten, or preschool for their cast offs and make a blessing for a child! (Because they can almost look like candy, you might want to include a colored piece of paper to let them know what it is for... and don't forget to put these into ziploc bags. :)

How about friendship necklaces??? These are made with homemade shrink plastic. Super fun to make... and special too. Give both halves... or keep half and send a picture of you wearing it... and send the other half in the shoebox. Then pray for the child whenever you wear it. 

Instructions at http://jewelrymakingjournal.com/best-friend-jewelry-shrinkies-tutorial/

How about traditional friendship bracelets?? There are TONS of methods and types... I adore these heart ones!! And it has step by step photo instructions too.

http://honestlywtf.com/diy/diy-heart-friendship-bracelet/

 

Packing a shoebox with kids? How about this idea, tracing their hands for the pattern? 

 

http://tiffkeetch.blogspot.com/2010/06/this-much-card-and-kid-canvas.html

 

Heart shaped beaded wands or pencil topper?? Cute! 

 

http://www.notimeforflashcards.com/2014/01/bead-heart-wands-valentines-day-craft.html

 

Nothing says love like glittery hearts.. right??? Ooooooo so sparkly.

 

 

 http://thealisonshow.com/2014/01/diy-disco-heart-necklace.html

The internet is FULL of ideas... and perhaps you have your own ideas. How fun to include something to show a child how much YOU love them... and how much they are loved by God. 

 

Cambodian Distribution... from the perspective of a Samaritan's Purse worker IN Cambodia

This blog was posted both on her blog and on SP website.... I was so blessed by not just THIS blog post about the distribution but by her blog as well.... so check it out, and learn about Whitney's story.. about her testimony and about Cambodia and the work Samaritan Purse does there!

Here are some excerpts from her post... this is by her husband, Andrew:

Yesterday I had the privilege of joining with the team of visitors from Oxley College, Australia, to give shoeboxes to children in a rural village church. Although I have been in Cambodia working with Samaritan's Purse {SP} for nearly 3 years now, this is the first time I have been able to to participate in an Operation Christmas Child {OCC} shoebox distribution. I love how SP makes every effort to look for ways to integrate and work with local, nationally led churches - even the least of them. 

The church building is so small and the only one for miles so it was 'standing room only' for some. Here the speakers give a short presentation to the villagers about the meaning of Christmas.

Only one shoebox is given to each child in their lifetime, with the goal of reaching every child around the globe.

A small box, filled with small toys, given to small children in a small church in a small village in a small country brings big smiles to kids and adults.

Then suddenly, at the count of three, they open their shoeboxes...and try to figure out what to do with everything they get from slinkies to teddy bears, jump ropes to schools supplies.

If you have never been able to be a part of an OCC shoebox distribution, I highly recommend adding it to your bucket list. Or maybe if you've been a supporter of OCC for many years, consider supporting the other projects we are doing in Cambodia - for the glory of God and the good of the village.

But please.. don't stop here.. go to her blog and read the whole post! And check out more of her blog to see what the Lord is doing in Cambodia and through Samaritan's Purse.

Just some info about Cambodia to put it in perspective:




 cambodia stats from unicef

• Infants dying before reaching age 1 - 6.8%
• Children dying before reaching age 5 - 8.8%
• Births without a midwife or doctor - 56%
• Average annual income in 2009 - $650
• Population living below international poverty line of $1.25 per day - 26%
• Life expectancy (in 2009) - 62 years
• Estimated adult HIV prevalence - 0.5%
• Population without improved sanitation - 71%
• Population not using improved (clean) drinking water sources - 39%
• Children under-five suffering from stunting - 40%

And I also had to share this from the blog about one of the water projects they work on... water, such a precious gift of life, that we so easily take for granted!

This week we had the privilege of hosting a team of students from Greenpoint College, Australia.  I always enjoy having visitors, but this week gave me a fresh look at the people we are helping through the eyes of those who have never seen it before. It also gave me some time to test out our new camera. The following pictures are from visits to a couple of the projects I manage: Water for Kids and Water for Families - BioSand Filter.

                               

On Friday, we took them to visit the Water for Kids project at one of the primary schools where we provided clean water supply, water filters, and toilets in 2013. It's amazing seeing the difference from what the school was like last year to now. Before this year, the students typically would scoop out water from a dirty pond to drink when they were thirsty. As a result, they were often getting sick and missing school. They also had no toilets to use at the school, making the area smelly and unsanitary.

Thanks to the team and our supporters, 460 students at this school now have a toilet to use and are enjoying clean, safe water. Their health is better now they are able to attend school more often. The principal told me, "The number of students here has increased by 25% because more and more parents want their children to go to a school that will improve their health and not make them sick."

Klamath Share the Love Crafting Event!!! Today, from 1-3

Hey! If you are in the Klamath area, stop by Calvary Chapel from 1-3, today, Feb. 8th, and join us in making crafts for the shoeboxes! All supplies are provided. All skill levels welcome. Use what you make in your shoeboxes, or donate to area packing parties.

Can't make it? Then hit pinterest because there are TONS of ideas. You can find several links in the sidebar to OCC Pinterest sites or try this amazing NEW one I just found!!

Syrian Refugees Receive their Shoeboxes! Video

Thank you to all who prayed for these shoeboxes... there were some delays in getting them there.... but God cleared the way, and we can rejoice! As you watch the video you will see the situation in Northern Iraq for these refugees, almost half of which are children! I am praising God for the work of Samaritan's Purse in His name... and the work God will do through it.

Father God, it is my prayer, that these boxes sow seeds of LOVE and HOPE and JOY for those that live in such darkness. May the transformative power of the Gospel and Your love, be partnered perfectly with the love of those who pack the shoeboxes, to overwhelm the hearts of these little ones. May the boxes be answers to prayer, tangible expressions of a loving God who cares for them individually, personally, and so very deeply.

I can't help but think, perhaps, these simple shoeboxes, which bring the Gospel and such joy to these children, are also bringing healing for the future of these nations. How can a child grow into hate for the people of the United States, when they have received love from a person there.... a letter, a photo, and gifts of love?

Enough of MY talk... enjoy the video...

God's Gifts.... Operation Christmas Child Style

Below I have pasted some of a blog post that brought tears to my eyes and joy to my heart, and I just had to share with you!! As those of you who follow my blog know, I love to share stories about how God is working in the shoeboxes and I encourage you to pray as you pack a box.... well this post deals with this far more eloquently than I ever have. May you be blessed. And please read the whole thing at http://faithfulprovisions.com/2012/10/15/5-unique-christmas-shoebox-ideas/

Every year, I find myself worrying about coming up with unique Christmas shoebox ideas when I start filling my boxes. I want to be sure that the box I pack has exactly what it needs in it for the child who will receive it.

And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19 NLT)

My greatest desire is to fill a box packed with things that the child really needs and wants. And there is no reason for me to worry about it or stress over it at all, because our God is a big God! He not only makes sure that each box gets to the child He intends to receive it, but He also will guide you as you are packing the box. He will make sure you know what He wants you to put in it.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights… (James 1:17 NIV)

 I want to encourage you to pray as you fill your box, and trust His Holy Spirit to speak to you. Maybe He will place a burden on your heart for a unique gift that He wants you to include in your shoebox. I think that’s okay, and I think you should trust Him. No matter how unorthodox it may be, trust that the Lord wants that item in the box, and trust that He will get it to the right person.

The five stories below prove that He knows what these children need, and He knows how to deliver each box to the one He intends it to receive it.

Hot Wheels. A Brazilian boy arrived at the distribution asking for a box with a Hot Wheels car in it. The volunteers explained that they didn’t know what would be in his box. They gave him a box to open, and when he did, more than half of the box was filled with Hot Wheels! 

And the post doesn't end there!!! Continue reading at her blog... and then, if you desire, go to the Impact Stories tab above and read MORE about how God is working through OCC shoeboxes!

Shoeboxes Speak to the Heart of Children in Mexico

We know that SOME of the shoeboxes from Southern Oregon went to Mexico, so I thought this Samaritan's Purse blog on OCC in Mexico was definitely worth sharing!!! Over and over again I was blessed by this article, seeing through it the transformative message of the Gospel. Our God is surely working in mighty ways!!

Below are excerpts from the blog From Streets to the Steeples. Please go read the whole thing!

“Each year, we look to give more shoeboxes to new kids who have never received them,” he said. “When a kid receives a shoebox, he sees the toys and plays with the toys, but there is also a question in him. ‘Why me?’ So through the shoeboxes, we get to the hearts of the kids and tell them how much God loves them. There are kids that have a hole in their hearts, and they start to fill it with all of these evil things: drugs, violence, robbery. So when we give out the gifts, there starts to be a hope in them, and they start to leave the drugs, the violence, the robbery; and they start to fill it with the love of God.”


Ten-year-old Karen Herrera had never heard about Jesus until the Gospel was presented at a shoebox distribution that she attended at Hilario’s church. After she received her gift, she decided to attend The Greatest Journey.
“Most of all, I’m happy because I got a New Testament Bible,” she said. “When I took the lessons, I invited Jesus into my heart. I learned that He’s my Savior.”
She can’t wait to share her new-found faith in Christ with her cousins and siblings.

Please Pray for the Airlift to Syrian Refugees

The flight was scheduled for yesterday, 65000 shoeboxes to go to the Syrian refugee children in northern Iraq... all paperwork and permits were in place, when at the last minute the trip was canceled and flight plan denied. They have rescheduled for the 25th. What a reminder that we must keep in prayer for the shoeboxes. There are MANY barriers that the enemy tries to throw against them. This is just the most recent. VAT taxes. Customs difficulties. Governmental issues. Please pray for the airlift to Iraq for the Syrian refugees... and for all the shoeboxes.

Hope for Syrian Refugees through Operation Christmas Child

From Samaritan's Purse:
An Airlift of Hope

Shoebox gifts will bring the message of God’s love to 65,000 Syrian children living in refugee camps in northern Iraq

A fierce civil war has forced millions of Syrians to run for their lives to neighboring countries. In northern Iraq, tens of thousands are living in bitterly cold tent camps mired in mud. It is a bleak environment, particularly for children already traumatized by war.
Help Syrian RefugeesSamaritan’s Purse is committed to helping these suffering people. We have already been providing basic necessities like food, clothing, shoes, and portable heaters. Now, we are giving shoebox gifts to the children.

We are airlifting a special delivery of 65,000 Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts to northern Iraq. We want these children and their families to know that God loves them and gave His Son that they might know true peace through faith in Christ.

Please pray that God will use the shoebox gifts to let these boys and girls know they are loved and not forgotten.

If you live in the Charlotte area you can join us for this special event.

Christmas Clearance ~ Final Days

Here in Klamath today I did a final sweep of several stores in the area, ranging from 70-80% off. I found nail care kits for 40 cents, fold up chess sets for 20 cents, two packs of card games at Rite Aid for 50 cents and discount plush.

Keep your eyes out for MORE clearance in whatever store you go to.... you never know what you will find. For just pittance you may find a great blessing for a child!

Happy Bargain Hunting!

Operation Christmas Child Thank You Celebration in Klamath

Did you pack a shoebox??? Then we want to THANK YOU... and invite you to our Thank You Celebration! Learn more about where our boxes went, how many were collected, and some of the stories and videos and pictures that show how God is working through the shoeboxes!

I am over and over again amazed and blessed by the stories of the shoeboxes! Here is one just posted today on Facebook:

“After telling the kids about God’s love through which these gifts were sent to them, a six-year-old girl approached me to ask one more time who Jesus was. I told her that Jesus is the one who loves you and sent you this gift through a child your age on the other part of the planet. She then asked me, ‘Will Jesus be a father for me? Because my father has been in jail for a long time.’ I told her that Jesus would want nothing more than for her to be his daughter.” - Volunteer in Lebanon

Come and hear more of the stories and rejoice in what God is doing through shoeboxes just like yours!!  January 18th, at 1pm, at Calvary Chapel K-Falls! 

PS for more stories click on the Impact Stories tab at the top of the page.

A Year of Deals to Fill Your Shoebox

Do you coupon? Watch sales and clearance? Like to save money??? Then start now with an eye to filling your Operation Christmas Child box for LESS.

Check out this great blog from a great savings site on filling a box with your stockpile: http://forthemommas.com/articles/operation-christmas-child-using-your-stockpile-to-donate#comment-4077480