August Update: Shoebox Season is Here!

Dear Friends,

Christmas seems far away, but I know my grandchildren are already getting excited.
In the coming weeks, we’ll be packing Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes for children around the world. Many have never gotten a Christmas gift—or maybe never even heard about Jesus Christ, whose birthday we celebrate.

As a grandfather, I know how important it is to teach our grandkids to give generously and to consider the question that prompted the parable of the Good Samaritan: “And who is my neighbour?” (Luke 10:29).

If you are a grandparent or parent, I want to encourage you and your kids to work together this year to pack shoebox gifts for Operation Christmas Child. As our little ones pack shoebox gifts, they learn to be generous, to pray for others, and to live out their faith.

Year after year, we see ways that God is working through Operation Christmas Child to bless children and spread the Good News of Christmas: “For there is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11).

For example, this past year in Papua New Guinea, the Lord opened doors for us to bring truckloads of Christmas gifts into the remote highlands—a place wracked by violence, instability, and landslides. We delivered gifts to 1,600 children, who sang praises in their own language. When our local church partners presented the Gospel, dozens of children raised their hands and said they wanted to receive Jesus Christ their as Lord and Saviour.

As we look forward to a new shoebox packing season, please invite your family to get involved in packing shoebox gifts for Operation Christmas Child. Thank you for your prayers and support for the work of Samaritan’s Purse.

May God bless you.

Franklin Graham
President, Samaritan’s Purse