As a student at Appalachian State, I had the opportunity of earning extra money around Christmas by working at Samaritan’s Purse. Operation Christmas Child was just getting off the ground, it was a relatively unknown ministry, but even then the idea of helping children around the world seemed to resonate with people. It was a highly accessible way to do something that would make a difference in the life of a child.

I didn’t see this at the time, all I remember was how tired I felt from moving thousands of old shoe boxes from one truck to another. It didn’t become real until Franklin Graham returned weeks later, showing videos of children celebrating these gifts sent from heaven. Years later it’s hard to describe what I saw, and it has become a sacred moment in my life. It was more than just presents, the children’s faces communicated that someone cared. No matter what was in the box, they knew their lives were worth something. They were not forgotten.

We’ve seen tens of thousands come to Christ because we decided to care. Your gifts will absolutely make a difference. I’ve seen it firsthand.

Jesus said, “Let your light shine before men. Then they will see the good things you are doing and will Praise your Father in heaven.”