The Great Commission - Discipleship through The Greatest Journey

This week Operation Christmas Child's FB page has been focused on the Greatest Journey... and praise be to God they exceeded their goal of 25,000 TGJs sponsored! Because of this focus they shared TONS of stories and photos and videos from the Greatest Journey. And I couldn't help it, I had to post about TGJ. 

It is one of the sad realities that a LOT of people who pack shoeboxes still think of it as JUST a shoebox. Sure, most know that the Gospel is shared, but their focus is on the gifts in the shoebox. And those ARE important, but the MOST important part is that this is the Great Commission carried out, by YOU, especially when you sponsor the Greatest Journey which is $6 above the donation with the shoebox that covers shipping. 

"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you..." Matthew 18:19-20a

The Great Commission was Christ's last instruction to us. Many of us will never go to the mission field overseas personally, but we CAN with a shoebox. Now, the shoebox opens the door to the Gospel, but the Great Commission goes further than that.. it says go and make DISCIPLES. TGJ is a 12 lesson discipleship program that teaches kids who God is, how to follow Christ, and how to share the Gospel with others. And it finishes with the students receiving a New Testament in their own language. It makes disciples! 

Consider sponsoring TGJ. You can do so with your own box, OR you can sponsor a child a month for just $6 a month!! Learn more at http://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/the-greatest-journey/

Include a Letter in Your Shoebox!

"Only God knew the story he would write of our lives when Katie finished packing a shoebox gift and her mom prayed it would go to a child in an unreached country. For years we were pen pals and exchanged letters, and then the Lord allowed me to meet her dad in 2003 and then to meet Katie herself in 2009.
This weekend, 14 years after receiving her shoebox gift, I had the privilege to see her and her family again, this time at the house where she grew up, where she wrote all of her letters. 
Here we are standing with all the letters we have exchanged over the years. Only you God, only you!" - Yuliya, shoebox recipient

Of course, not everyone receives a letter from their shoebox recipient but it happens more often than you might think..... so write a letter, maybe include a photo, and perhaps.... you will receive a letter back. Even if you don't know that your shoebox will make a difference in a child's life.. and that is quite a gift in and of itself.

Nanor, Shoebox recipient from the Middle East speaking in Medford October 11th.. a bit of her story

Nanor is speaking in Medford OR tomorrow...

When:     October 11th, Sunday, at 4:30 pm

Where:     First Church of the Nazarene

                1974 NE McAndrews Road

                Medford, OR   97501  

I can't wait to go!!! I hope you can go too... learn the difference a simple shoebox can make.

http://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/shoebox-stories-nanor-and-a-doll/

Nanor received THIS gift almost 20 years ago as a 5 year old child in the Middle East.. she kept it all these years. She kept in contact with the girl who sent the gift too! Can you imagine? 

She lived with war and such difficult times and this box planted a seed of Christ in her... and brought her such joy and hope that she treasured it ALL these years! 

Operation Christmas Child Community Packing Party is ALMOST HERE!!

WOW... this year has been crazy, with family health crisis and the travel involved to care for my ailing parents, and now, I have a broken leg... but SOMEHOW our Awesome God has continued to move our Packing Party forward... and it is almost time! We hope to pack 300+ shoeboxes for children in need in Jesus' name....

OCTOBER 24th, from 1-4 pm at BBC Ministries here in Klamath Falls. You can learn more about the event at https://slate.adobe.com/a/ZdJnV/

Please help me get the word out so that MANY can experience the joy of packing a shoebox. Share the site above so that more can learn about this opportunity. Items have been collected and now we need people to come and help us fill these boxes with stuff but MORE importantly with love and prayer and letters.

Composition Notebooks: Double the fun

Found this AMAZING idea at Christ is the Heart of Christmas 

Take your composition notebooks to a home improvement store and have them run them through their big saws... LOOK how amazing these are! And they will fit perfectly in the shoeboxes.

These will decorate up easily if you wanted.. and you will bless kids with these notebooks. School supplies are ALWAYS a blessing to the children who receive the shoeboxes!

Learn more at http://denisemarie-christmas.blogspot.com/2015/02/paper-pads-precious.html and while you are there poke around at all her other fabulous ideas!

Cute, Easy, No Sew Pencil Cases

This pencil pouch can cost under 10 cents depending on your source of duct tape and ziplocks. Try the dollar store for the tape. Thanks to Cathy on FB for the heads up for the idea!

This is made with a gallon ziplock and duct tape. Use tape down the bag and cut to desired depth. Some crafters fold the bottom up a bit to avoid it being sticky inside and tape the bottom. SO cute. This would be a great craft for youth groups! Duct tape crafts are trendy and easy and fun.. and putting together their own pencil case for the boxes would be a great idea for any youth packing party.

Shoebox Stories... Reaching the Heart of a Child in the Middle East

http://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/shoebox-stories-nanor-and-a-doll/

Please consider looking around at the other stories.. see the impact a simple gift can have, bring hope, and love, and grace, and salvation to a precious child.

The Basics: When, Where, Why, and How to Pack a Shoebox

When?  Collection Week is November 16-23, 2015. You can find the exact times for your location at http://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/drop-off-locations/  If you are in Klamath Falls, hours and location will be listed in the sidebar to the right.

Where?? There are thousands of drop off locations around the nation.... many churches and groups participate. If you don't know of one, you can find a drop off location at the link above.

Why??? Because it blesses children. There are a billion children around the world living in poverty, in war torn areas, in orphanages, in disaster zones, and in areas where the Gospel is not preached. Your box will bring joy and hope and love to a hurting child and with that box will go the Good News that transforms lives. 

You can read tons of stories, and see videos, and get more information at https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/buildonline/

How to Pack a Shoebox

1. Shoebox

   Use an empty cardboard or plastic shoebox (average size). You can wrap the box, lid separately, but wrapping is not required.

2. Boy or Girl

   Decide whether your gift will be for a boy or a girl, and the age category: 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14. Download and print the appropriate boy/girl label. Mark the correct age category and tape the label to the top of your box.

3. Fill With Gifts

   Fill the box with a variety of gifts that will bring delight to a child (see Gift Suggestions below).

4. Include $7 Donation Per Box

   Help cover shipping and other costs related to delivering your shoeboxes to children overseas by donating $7 for each gift you prepare. You can give online to discover the destination of your box. Or, you can write a check to Samaritan’s Purse (note “OCC” on the memo line) and place it in an envelope on top of the items inside your shoebox. If you are preparing multiple gifts, please make one combined donation. Note: Follow Your Box is only available through online giving.
   
   Remember to Pray for the children who will receive your shoebox gifts.

5. Drop Off

   Place a rubber band around each closed shoebox and bring it to the drop-off location nearest you during National Collection Week. Visit our Drop-off Locations page to find the closest collection site. Or, call 1-800-353-5949.
   

Quick Tools

• Instructions & Labels

  Includes large-print instructions, gift suggestions, and labels.
  Download Now

• Need More Labels?

  A full page of printer-friendly boy/girl labels for multiple shoebox gifts.
  Download Now

• Need Boxes for a Large Group?

  You can order pre-printed boxes in sets of 100 for a suggested donation.
  Order Now

Gift Suggestions

• Toys: Include items that children will immediately embrace such as dolls, toy trucks, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, balls, toys that light up and make noise (with extra batteries), etc.
• School Supplies: Pens, pencils and sharpeners, crayons or markers, stamps and ink pad sets, writing pads or paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books, etc.
• Hygiene Items: Toothbrush, mild bar soap (in a plastic bag), comb, washcloth, etc.
• Accessories: T-shirts, socks, ball caps, sunglasses, hair clips, toy jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries).
• A Personal Note: You may enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself or your family. If you include your name and address, the child may write back.
• Do Not Include: Used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives or military figures; chocolate or food; out-of-date candy; liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snow globes or glass containers; aerosol cans.

What to Pack in a Shoebox

This year Samaritan's Purse has done an amazing job with their website. I love how clearly everything is explained. And I LOVE their page on ideas of what to pack in a shoebox.

http://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/what-goes-in-my-shoebox-suggestions/

They start by saying include a WOW item. Isn't that what we want.. the box to be a WOW.. a true blessing? What makes the box wow will be different for each child, so pray before you pack. If you have read stories of the shoeboxes you know the item that touches a child's heart can be anything.

Even so they have listed some great ideas: a deflated soccer ball and small hand pump, a stuffed animal or doll, a musical instrument such as a nice harmonica, shoes, or an outfit. This WOW item whether expensive or just carefully and prayerfully chosen will speak God's love into their heart.

I want the child who receives MY box to say WOW, don't you? What will be that item in your box?

How to Pack a Shoebox! New from Operation Christmas Child

http://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/pack-a-shoe-box/

Adult T-shirt becomes PJ Pants

I love when sites give full tutorials!! Last year I was offered many XL and XXL men's tshirts... but did not have time nor the info to do anything with them... IF it happens again I will know what to do with them!

Theses are SO cute and you can find the instructions at http://hammerandthread.blogspot.de/2011/06/easy-lounge-pants-tutorial-with-pattern.html

Easter Clearance is Coming!!

Already going at craft stores, Monday the real sales begin! Walmart and Rite Aid and Fred Meyer will mark theirs down on Monday, generally at 50% off! Friday or Saturday it should go to 75% off at Walmart. This is a great time to get cute stuffed animals, from bunnies to puppies to chicks to my VERY FAVORITE: lambs! But you can also get pencils, cups, stickers, notepads, small toys, and hard candy.

Happy Shopping! And have a joyous weekend as we celebrate the most precious gift Jesus gave to us.

Jesus Loves Me Pom Pom Critter Craft

Ahhhh something from my youth.... and a fun and easy craft for all ages!! I thought for Valentine's Day we could make something for our shoeboxes! Something FUN.

POM POM CRITTERS!!

The instruction for THESE pom pom critters can be found at http://www.curlycraftymom.com/2014/01/easy-school-valentine-craft-pom-pom.html

I thought this would be even MORE cute for the shoeboxes if you included a tag of Jesus Loves Me ribbon. There are many types available online... but here is one sample available from Hobby Lobby:

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!!