This Christmas, I'm going to pack a shoebox!

For the past few years, I've said I was going to do this, but never "got around to it" (queen of procrastination that I am).

This year I'm going to do it. In fact, the next time I go to the grocery store I'm going to pick up an extra item or two to put in a shoebox for Operation Christmas Child.

You simply get a shoebox from out of your closet and fill it with things for a needy child. Children in Bosnia, Kosovo, Jordan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, the Sudan, and many other war-torn and poverty-stricken countries will receive a shoebox full of gifts...and the gospel message will be given along with every box.

This is from the official website:

"Operation Christmas Child sends a message of hope to children in desperate situations around the world through gift-filled shoe boxes and Christian literature. This program provides an opportunity for individuals of all ages to be involved in a simple, hands-on missions project that reaches out to suffering children while focusing on the true meaning of Christmas—Jesus Christ, God's greatest gift. In 2002, we collected over 6 million shoe boxes worldwide and distributed them to children in about 95 countries."

What an incredible way to teach your children about giving, and share the love of Christ with a hurting child! Kathy Klag of Operation Christmas Child tells me that small stuffed animals are one of the favorite gifts of the children, because many of them have no toys, no pets, nothing to hang onto and love. The kids are starved for color and fun. You can include hygiene items, warm socks and gloves, hard candy and chewing gum.

You can click here for more information, suggestions for packing your shoebox, and how to find out where you can drop off your box in your area.

*****
Quoteworthy: The test of the morality of a society is what it does for its children." -- Dietrich
Bonhoeffer (1906-45).

Whew! Does America's vile child abuse/pornography subculture and the appalling abortion rate come to mind?

God help us.