Shepherd of the Coast is pleased to participate in the Samaritan’s Purse organization mission effort – Operation Christmas Child. The mission of Operation Christmas Child is to share God’s love with children in need around the world by providing them with gifts and sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. The mission is carried out in partnership with local churches worldwide. Children who receive shoeboxes from the Samaritan’s Purse organization follow up by attending classes in evangelism, and discipleship. Eventually the children receive the gift of a Bible printed in their own language.
Shepherd of the Coast runs a year-long effort to collect items for Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes. Monthly goals are set to collect specific contents for boxes- such as school supplies, small toys, and hygiene items.
Beginning in October, Shepherd of the Coast gives out empty shoeboxes that are then filled with suggested items for boys and girls between the ages of 2 and 14. The shoeboxes are personalized with handwritten messages of God’s love. When the shoeboxes come back to our church, later in November, they are filled to the brim. They exude a fun-spirit of joy for their child recipient. In 2024 we were able to send 161 shoeboxes to the Samaritan’s Purse organization.
We work together as a congregation at an Operation Christmas Child packing party hosted by our church. We involve the students and families in our Vacation Bible School with this mission effort, as well as other groups that meet in our church building.
If you would like to make a financial donation to our Operation Christmas Child shoebox mission effort, or would like to volunteer, contact Sue Michel at sotcpcshoebox@gmail.com
