During my time 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 and 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 really make a difference in the life of a child.

I didn’t see this at the time, as all I knew was how tired I felt from moving thousands of old shoeboxes from one truck to another. It didn’t become real until Franklin Graham returned a few weeks later to show us a video of the children receiving boxes. All these years later it is hard to describe what I saw; it’s become a sacred moment in my life. It was more than just presents. The children’s faces communicated that they understood that someone cared about them and that no matter what was in the box, they knew their lives were worth something.

We have seen thousands of children come to Christ because we decided to care. As we handed out hundreds of boxes last Sunday, we have hundreds more available. May we all be a part of this incredible outreach to the children of the world. Your contribution 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.”