Operation Christmas Child has begun, as thousands of churches across the UK order their resources to help deliver shoebox gifts to children across the world. Samaritan’s Purse, which began the operation in 1993, has delivered present-filled shoeboxes to more than 145 million children in more than 160 countries.
The boxes are handed in at collection points across the UK and then sent globally to local churches. Nick Cole, director of Operation Christmas Child UK, commented: ‘Most UK churches love to share the new life and hope of Jesus with others, but not every church has the resources to send missionaries overseas.
‘Every shoebox is a gospel opportunity, with churches across the world receiving training and support in reaching their community. Part of the £5 suggested donation with each box goes towards training more than 100 teams of volunteers, who in turn equip more than 9,000 churches in the 17 countries receiving boxes from the UK’.
Mr Coles added that, with shoeboxes being sent to countries such as Nepal, Rwanda and South Sudan, the operation was a chance to ‘change children’s lives in Jesus’ name’.
