"My father and I have a long history of partnering for the Gospel with Steven Curtis Chapman. I'm grateful to God for his desire to help victims of Harvey and Irma through Samaritan's Purse. His song encourages all of us to place our faith and hope in God as we weather the storms of life."—Franklin Graham

Hi Everybody,

It is a privilege to partner with my friends at Samaritan’s Purse as we love on and encourage those affected by Hurricane Harvey and now Hurricane Irma.

After seeing the devastation that hit Houston and the surrounding areas, I sat down with my friends Lori McKenna and Barry Dean to write what was on my heart, and to respond the best way I know how: with a song. As my family and I have experienced in our own seasons of devastation and loss, sometimes what we need most is someone to just "be with us" in the darkness, and remind us, maybe even sing to us, that the sun will shine again and the blue will return to our sky…that’s what we hoped to capture with this song.

I reached out to one of my favorite singers on the planet, my friend Gary LeVox from Rascal Flatts, and asked him if he might join me on this recording of 'Til The Blue…and he said "yes"! We hope this song will encourage those in Texas and Florida, as well as the many that have given, volunteered, and prayed for those affected by hurricanes Harvey and Irma.

I’ve always appreciated and trusted the great work that Samaritan’s Purse does and am grateful that this song could be used to direct people to an organization that is once again doing the important and vital work of offering hope and help to those who have suffered great loss.

So with this hope I offer this song to encourage many who might need to be reminded that they are being thought of, prayed for, and reached out to, "until the blue returns to their sky."

Blessings,

Samaritan's Purse has teams on the ground helping people in Jesus' Name in Texas, Florida, and the Caribbean. Hurricanes Harvey and Irma did incredible damage, but our staff and volunteers are bringing hope to the hurting—whether by mudding out flooded homes, tarping a roof, or delivering food to the hungry. The quality of our work is our platform, and the Good News of the Lord Jesus Christ is our message.

©Copyright 2017 Samaritan's Purse. All rights reserved.

Samaritan's Purse | PO Box 3000 Boone, NC 28607 | 828.262.1980.

Samaritan’s Purse is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charity. All contributions designated for specific projects shall be applied to those projects, and we may assess up to 10 percent to be used for administering the gift. Occasionally, we receive more contributions for a given project than can be wisely applied to that project. When that happens, we use these funds to meet a similar pressing need.

In both Europe and the Middle East, Samaritan’s Purse is ministering to people who are fleeing terror.

Samaritan's Purse responds to the urgent needs of families devastated by the wind, rain, and storm surge of catastrophic hurricanes. Whether in the United States or abroad, we come alongside hurting people to bring emergency relief and practical help in the Name of Jesus Christ.

In the United States, we send disaster relief units—tractor trailers stocked with equipment and supplies—to hard-hit areas where we set up volunteer centers in partnership with local churches. Our staff and volunteer teams then work to assist hurting homeowners by cutting trees, tarping roofs, and performing mud-outs. As we work, we boldly present the hope of the Gospel. Right now we have established five response bases in Texas and four in Florida to aid people affected by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.

When major hurricanes hit international locations, we deploy a disaster assistance response team (DART) to quickly bring in a variety of emergency supplies. We also leverage our Samaritan's Purse aircraft, including our DC-8 cargo plane, to assist. Today we are working to help people on several devastated islands of the Caribbean, including Puerto Rico, Dominica, St. Martin, Antigua, Barbuda, and Turks and Caicos. We have already airlifted generators, food, water purification units, hygiene kits, and heavy-duty shelter plastic for thousands of families. Our distributions are ongoing. As we minister in the wake of Hurricanes Irma, Jose, and Maria, we share the Good News of Jesus Christ alongside local church partners.

Please continue to pray for all those affected by this historic 2017 hurricane season, which has brought so much pain and suffering to so many.

LATEST: Hurricane Irma Response Updates • Volunteers Rush to Aid Florida Homeowners in Irma's Wake • Caribbean Response Expands; Food Delivered to St. Martin • Samaritan's Purse Team on the Ground in St. Martin After Hurricane Irma • Responding in Florida After Hurricane Irma

LATEST UPDATES FROMOUR FLOOD RESPONSE

Después de recibir la caja de regalos, muchos niños son invitados a participar de La Gran Aventura, nuestro programa de discipulado de 12 lecciones, donde los niños aprenden a seguir a Jesús. Una donación de $6 le provee a un niño los materiales de estudio bíblico, un Nuevo Testamento y un certificado de graduación.

Trae La Gran Aventura a tu iglesia ￫

Ofrecido a través de iglesias locales alrededor del mundo, este programa de discipulado desarrollado por Samaritan’s Purse y la Asociación Evangelística Billy Graham, le enseña a los niños y niñas a conocer a Jesús, crecer en su fe y compartir estas Buenas Nuevas con otros. Los maestros locales han sido capacitados para compartir las clases de una manera amigable para los niños, incluyendo el relato de diferentes historias de la Biblia y memorización de las Escrituras. Como resultado de La Gran Aventura, familias enteras son alcanzadas, las iglesias crecen, nuevas iglesias son plantadas y comunidades son transformadas.

Actualmente las iglesias en Estados Unidos pueden ofrecer a sus niños el mismo programa de discipulado que los niños alrededor del mundo están tomando. Los participantes podrán comprender de mejor manera el trabajo que Operation Christmas Child realiza y el impacto de sus cajas de regalos, mientras experimentan la misma aventura de discipulado que los niños alrededor del mundo.

Mateo 28:18-20 (RVR1960)

Preguntas Frecuentes La aventura de una caja de regalos

¿Tienes preguntas o sugerencias? Escribe a: occinfo@samaritan.org

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Operation Christmas Child is a great mission project for kids! Whether you are focusing on packing shoeboxes during Sunday school, children’s church, or VBS, these resources will help your boys and girls learn more about the importance of giving in Jesus’ Name.

Lessons

8.5" x 11" (4 Pages)

Sample lessons to incorporate Operation Christmas Child into your church activities.

⇣Download PDF (457kb)

Coloring and Activity Sheets

8.5" x 11" (4 Pages)

Six different coloring and activity sheets to complete, including one for a child to put in their shoebox gift.

⇣Download PDF (457kb)

Word Search Activity

8.5" x 11"

An Operation Christmas Child-themed word search puzzle recommended for ages 5 and older.

⇣Download PDF (556kb)

Fun Facts Decoder Activity

8.5" x 11"

A decoder coloring sheet to discover interesting facts about Operation Christmas Child for ages 5 and older.

⇣Download PDF (283kb)

Shoebox Delivery Maze

8.5" x 11"

A maze coloring activity showing a variety of ways shoeboxes are delivered around the world, recommended for ages 5 and older.

⇣Download PDF (427kb)

Journey of a Shoebox Coloring Sheet

8.5" x 11"

A coloring activity based on the Journey of a Shoebox for ages 8 and up.

⇣Download PDF (1.1mb)

Little Ones to Him Belong Coloring Sheet

8.5" x 11"

A coloring sheet depicting some of the children who receive shoebox gifts, recommended for ages 2 through 7.

⇣Download PDF (1.7mb)

Let's Be Friends Coloring Page

8.5" x 11" (2 pages)

A page to fill in and pack in your shoebox gift.

⇣ Download PDF (881kb)

The Gospel Alphabet Scripture Memory Tool

8.5" x 11"

One page listing a different verse for each letter of the alphabet, designed for Scripture memory.

⇣ Download PDF (1mb)

‘Just for Kids’ Packing Party

8.5" x 11"

All you need to plan a shoebox packing party, including a sample schedule just for kids.

⇣Download PDF (130kb)

Visit Page ￫

Create a Prayer Wall

11" x 8.5"

How to create a wall of pictures that doubles as a place for people to record their prayers.

⇣Download PDF (2mb)

Operation Christmas Child Musical

A production from Word Music for the children of your church to perform.

Visit Page ￫

Other Creative Ideas

8.5" x 11"

Additional suggestions for implementing Operation Christmas Child at your church.

⇣Download PDF (457kb)

Participation Certificate

11" x 8.5"

A tool to recognize the service of shoebox packers.

⇣ Download PDF (2.2mb)

How to Pack a Shoebox Flyer (Customizable)

8.5" x 11"

Steps for how to pack a shoebox that will bless a child in need. Includes gift suggestions and space for local details.

⇣ Download PDF (2.4mb) ⇣ En Español (2.3mb)

Journey of a Shoebox Insert

5.5" x 7.5"

An illustrated description of the journey of a shoebox gift, complete with steps for how to pack a shoebox.

⇣ Download PDF (2.3mb) ⇣ En Español (2.2mb)

7 Ideas for Family Impact

6" x 9" (2 Pages)

Specific suggestions of how to maximize a family’s shoebox packing experience, complete with steps for How to Pack a Shoebox.

⇣ Download PDF (1.7mb)

Pennants

8.5" x 11" (6 pages)

Festive banners to promote Operation Christmas Child.

⇣ Download PDF (11.1mb)

Posters

8" x 10" (6 pages)

Operation Christmas Child décor for shoebox packing.

⇣ Download PDF (10.9mb)

Operation Christmas Child Overview 2017, Animation

Run Time: 0:38

The animated story of Operation Christmas Child.

How Shoeboxes Spread Good News and Great Joy

Run Time: 0:57

An animated look at how God uses a single shoebox.

It’s the Good News, Watch It Grow

Run Time: 1:00

Shoebox gifts plant seeds of hope, love, and joy—watch them grow!

How to Pack a Shoebox

Run Time: 2:11

A kid’s take on how to pack a shoebox for a trip around the world.

Pack a Shoebox with VeggieTales

Run Time: 2:25

Bob and Larry share how to pack a shoebox with Operation Christmas Child.

Children Helping Children

Run Time: 3:01

Jordyn, Evilyn, David, and Faith all share how they are reaching other children around the world through Operation Christmas Child.

Jordyn’s Love Projects

Run Time: 3:51

Nine-year-old Jordyn McNeal made it her goal to pack 5,000 shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child.

Terry Prayed for a Bible

Run Time: 2:00

When Terry, a young boy in Namibia, prayed for a Bible he received one the next week in his Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift!

Jessica and Innocent: Redeemed in Babylon

Run Time: 3:47

Siblings from Namibia trusted in Christ while participating in The Greatest Journey, the discipleship program for shoebox recipients.

Faith: Crossing the Finish Line for 20,000 Shoeboxes

Run Time: 3:13

A young girl with spina bifida hosts a 5K and rallies her community to pack 20,001 shoeboxes.

Lemonade Gang

Run Time: 3:32

Kids sell lemonade and cookies to raise money for Operation Christmas Child.

Join the Project Leader Facebook Group Resource & Ideas Hub Order Preprinted Shoeboxes

Have questions or suggestions? Email occinfo@samaritan.org

No time to pack your own shoebox?

You can Build a Shoebox Online in less than 5 minutes!

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SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO, Oct. 9, 2017— Samaritan's Purse, an international Christian relief organization, deployed teams of disaster respo nse specialists to the Caribbean in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma and Maria. Now approximately 60 team members continue to distribute food, emergency shelter materials, clean water, hygiene kits and solar lights to families in need. Medical personnel are also supporting the local hospital in Dominica.

Samaritan's Purse President Franklin Graham was on the ground in Puerto Rico last week to assess the damage, meet with local pastors and encourage residents as they begin to recover from the storm.

"These hurricanes destroyed everything in their path and left thousands desperate for help," Graham said. "We are putting relief supplies—heavy-duty tarp, hygiene kits, solar lights and food—in the hands of families in need. We want to remind people who are suffering that God loves them by meeting their needs for emergency shelter and other critical supplies. We will be working in the Caribbean for months to come."

Already, the organization's DC-8 cargo jet has made 17 round trips from North Carolina to the Caribbean, airlifting more than 395 tons of emergency relief supplies and key staff. More cargo flights are scheduled in the coming days. The Samaritan's Purse helicopter arrived in Puerto Rico last weekend. Using this resource, disaster response specialists have delivered food parcels to isolated, mountainous communities and continue to canvas areas inaccessible by road.

In addition to distributing relief supplies, the North Carolina-based organization has established nine clean water points throughout the Caribbean and is working to identify additional locations. Many of these are reverse osmosis systems that convert sea water to fresh water. Each unit provides an ongoing source of clean water, which is a desperate need throughout the region.

Samaritan's Purse has helped more than 23,000 families in the Caribbean since Hurricane Irma. Disaster response specialists provided emergency relief in Turks and Caicos, and St. Maarten after Hurricane Irma and continue to respond in Puerto Rico, Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda following Hurricanes Irma and Maria. For more information about how to help, go to samaritanspurse.org.

Download Press Release

BOONE, N.C., Sept. 12, 2017— Samaritan’s Purse disaster response teams are helping thousands of families devastated by Hurricane Irma in the Caribbean and on the coast of Florida. The North Carolina-based organization is airlifting emergency supplies to storm-ravaged Caribbean islands, and two disaster relief units are on the way to Southwest Florida to provide aid to families reeling from the storm.

More than two dozen disaster response specialists are distributing emergency supplies to some 4,000 families in the Caribbean, including emergency shelter materials, water purification units, food, blankets and hygiene kits. The organization’s DC-8 cargo plane has already transported more than 40 tons of aid and will continue to deliver critical supplies to islands in need.

Samaritan’s Purse is also responding to help families devastated by the storm in Southwest Florida. Two Disaster Relief Units, stocked with chainsaws, generators and tools, will serve as command centers to help affected families. Teams of volunteers will help homeowners recover by tearing out damaged drywall, removing flooring, tarping roofs and clearing debris.

"Hurricane Irma leveled islands in the Caribbean and devastated the Florida coast," said Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse. "We are taking critically needed supplies to storm survivors and coming alongside affected families. We want to meet their physical needs while showing them the love of Jesus Christ. Please pray for all those affected by this horrific storm."

Chaplains from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association’s Rapid Response Team will be working alongside Samaritan’s Purse in Florida to provide emotional and spiritual encouragement.

For more information about how to help or volunteer with Samaritan’s Purse, go to spvolunteernetwork.samaritanspurse.org. Donations to help with the hurricane relief efforts can be made at samaritanspurse.org.

Samaritan's Purse has helped more than 34,000 families in 35 U.S. states following floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, fires and ice storms. Currently, five disaster response teams are working in Texas to help victims of Hurricane Harvey, completing more than 480 requests for help in the first two weeks.

Download Press Release

TeenPact believes in “changing lives to change the world.” Through Operation Christmas Child, TeenPact students can help transform millions of children, families, and communities around the globe through the power of the Gospel.

By packing shoeboxes full of toys, school supplies, hygiene items, and other simple gifts, you can help bring hope and joy to children in need around the world. Through partnerships with local churches, children who receive shoebox gifts hear the Good News of Jesus Christ and many participate in our follow-up discipleship program, The Greatest Journey, where they learn to follow Christ and share their faith with others.

Since 1993, Samaritan's Purse has delivered more than 146 million shoeboxes in over 100 countries. Your Teen Pact students can be a direct part of bringing good news and great joy to children through gift-filled shoeboxes.

“TeenPact believes young people should be challenged and trained to lead in the context of serving others. By organizing packing parties or serving as an Operation Christmas Child volunteer, TeenPacters can make an eternal impact through leadership and service.” TeenPact Leader, Texas

“It is a good fit for reaching out to kids who don’t know Christ. It is a project with evangelistic results.” TeenPact Leader, Missouri

More Ideas and Resources for Students

Have questions or suggestions? Email occinfo@samaritan.org

No time to pack your own shoebox?

You can Build a Shoebox Online in less than 5 minutes!

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BOONE, N.C., Nov. 1, 2017 — This month, nearly 5,000 U.S. locations will serve as drop-off sites for the Samaritan’s Purse project, Operation Christmas Child—collecting gift-filled shoeboxes for children in need around the world.

During the project’s National Collection Week, Nov. 13 – 20, anyone can transform empty shoeboxes into gifts of hope filled with school supplies, hygiene items and fun toys. Operation Christmas Child will deliver these shoebox gifts to children affected by war, disease, disaster, poverty and famine.

More than 100,000 volunteers including families, churches and other groups are linking arms across the country to contribute to the largest Christmas project of its kind. In 2017, Operation Christmas Child hopes to collect enough shoebox gifts to reach 12 million children, with 9.6 million coming from the United States.

“The shoebox gifts donated throughout the country at these drop-off locations will shine a light of hope to children living in poverty overseas,” said Randy Riddle, senior director of Operation Christmas Child in the United States. “Anyone is welcome to pack a shoebox and help a child facing difficult circumstances to feel loved and not forgotten.”

For more information on how to participate in Operation Christmas Child or to view gift suggestions, call 1-800-353-5949 or visit samaritanspurse.org/occ. Participants can donate $9 per shoebox gift online through “Follow Your Box” and receive a tracking label to discover its destination. Those who prefer the convenience of online shopping can browse samaritanspurse.org/buildonline to select gifts matched to a child’s specific age and gender, then finish packing the virtual shoebox by adding a photo and personal note of encouragement.

Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse, an international Christian relief and evangelism organization headed by Franklin Graham. The mission of Operation Christmas Child is to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world and, together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 146 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 160 countries and territories.

MEDIA NOTE: For complete media materials and high-resolution, downloadable photos, visit samaritanspurse.org/occnewsroom. Email occmedia@samaritan.org for local drop-off location details or for interview opportunities.

BOONE, N.C., Nov. 13, 2017 — Tens of thousands of U.S. families are on a mission to make an impact in the lives of children in need. They are donating colorfully wrapped shoebox gifts to be sent to children around the world—many of whom have never received a gift before and have very little to call their own.

Nov. 13–20 is Operation Christmas Child’s National Collection Week, caring people around the country will collect shoebox gifts filled with fun toys, school supplies and hygiene items. The Samaritan’s Purse project will deliver these gifts to children affected by war, disease, disaster, poverty and famine.

“A global movement begins this week across the US and seven other sending countries, millions are focused on making a difference in the lives of children facing difficult circumstances,” said Operation Christmas Child Senior Domestic Director Randy Riddle. “What a joy to be a part of something bigger than ourselves like Operation Christmas Child. Giving such simple gifts like those found in shoeboxes mean the world to children with great need and it’s something we can all do.”

More than 100,000 volunteers including families, churches and other groups are joining forces to contribute to the largest Christmas project of its kind. In 2017, Operation Christmas Child hopes to collect enough shoebox gifts to reach 12 million children, with 9.6 million coming from the United States.

For more information on how to participate in Operation Christmas Child or to view gift suggestions, call 1-800-353-5949 or visit samaritanspurse.org/occ. Participants can donate $9 per shoebox gift online through “Follow Your Box” and receive a tracking label to discover its destination. Those who prefer the convenience of online shopping can browse samaritanspurse.org/buildonline to select gifts matched to a child’s specific age and gender, then finish packing the virtual shoebox by adding a photo and personal note of encouragement.

Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse, an international Christian relief and evangelism organization headed by Franklin Graham. The mission of Operation Christmas Child is to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world and, together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 146 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 160 countries and territories.

MEDIA NOTE: For complete media materials including high-resolution downloadable photos, visit samaritanspurse.org/occnewsroom. Email occmedia@samaritan.org for local coverage opportunities.

National Collection Week

We thank God for your partnership in sending gift-filled shoeboxes to children in need around the world! Together with local churches worldwide, Samaritan’s Purse has delivered 146 million Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts since 1993. Your service at a drop-off location is an integral part of giving millions more children the opportunity to learn about the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

Please download, complete, and print this form. Be sure to bring it with you when you serve.

Volunteer Information Form

8.5" x 11"

⇣Download PDF (138kb)

Positions are available in Leadership, Church Relations, Logistics, Community Relations, Media Relations, Prayer Mobilization, Administrative Support, and Student Relations.

Find a Drop-off Location Near You <!--Volunteer Year-Round--> Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions or suggestions? Email occinfo@samaritan.org

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Jill Cobb of Mountain View, Missouri, does what she does because she's focused on Christ’s final words on earth, which begin: “Go and make disciples of all the nations” (Matthew 28:19, NKJV).

She volunteers as an area coordinator for Operation Christmas Child and consistently mentors her team of 55 people to stay focused on why they serve. The group’s goal is to “mobilize people and multiply shoebox gifts” and their motivation must remain reaching children with the Gospel.

Jill wants to filter everything her team does through this priority. “There’s so much to do. It’s easy to focus on details instead of realizing why I’m doing it—for Jesus and the Great Commission,” Jill said.

This big-picture perspective is impacting the results of their efforts. In 2016, the official shoebox collection goal for the 18 counties in their area was 38,000.

“We prayed that we’d be able to describe that year in two words: only God,” Jill said. The Lord then surprised them with a total of 41,359 shoebox gifts! Some churches in their area actually collected twice their goal amount.

In 2017 their collection totaled 43,816. The group gives God the glory that each one of these boxes—each of these Gospel opportunities—will bless children, their families, and their communities.

Jill isn’t involved because of the numbers. She volunteers with Operation Christmas Child because “my passion is evangelism and the desire to see one more person come to Jesus.”

Secondarily, she serves in order to model Christ’s heart to her children, ages 10 and 7. Jill wants to teach them to be “on mission” at an early age. “To see their hearts grow for children around the world to come to Jesus has challenged me to go deeper in my faith, too,” Jill said.

A former mentor of Jill’s, Winnie Tuckness, serves as a regional area coordinator overseeing three Operation Christmas Child area teams. A few years ago, as Winnie drove US Highway 60 from Springfield to Nashville, Tennessee, she noticed First Baptist Church in Mountain View, Missouri, and thought it would be a good place for a shoebox drop-off location. When she noticed Matt Cobb was the pastor, she wondered if this could be Jill’s husband. She hadn’t had contact with the couple for 10 years.

Calling the church, she discovered it was in fact the same Matt and Jill Cobb whom she'd known years ago. This led to a reunion with the couple, and Winnie asked Jill if she would be interested in volunteering with Operation Christmas Child. She served in logistics first, and in 2016 became the area coordinator for the Springfield, Missouri Area Team.

During her interview for that position, Jill was reminded of a vision she’d had 10 years earlier of 1 billion people being saved during her lifetime. She shed tears of joy when she realized that, through Operation Christmas Child, she could have a small part in this becoming a reality.

“Jill is a gifted leader with such a passion and spiritual maturity,” Winnie said. “It’s exciting to see how God is using her.”

Jill quickly added, “I’m thankful God chooses to use us. It’s not that we’re amazing—through His grace and mercy He uses us.”

Diane Calvert, administrative support volunteer at the West Coast Regional Office, does paperwork, filing, and data entry for Operation Christmas Child. She said “I do anything from A to Z” to support the staff.

Retired, Diane spends an average of two days a week volunteering with the Samaritan’s Purse project, but three to four days a week in November and December during shoebox processing season. This grandmother spent her career working in accounting and payroll offices and is delighted to transfer some of her skills to Kingdom ministry. “God uses what you have,” Diane said.

She enjoys interaction with her Operation Christmas Child colleagues daily and said, “Filling a box for one child does not just reach a child, it reaches a village or a community or a family that is in desperate need and shows them the love of Jesus. It makes such a dent in a hardcore life. It can mean the difference between life and death.”

To those considering volunteering with Operation Christmas Child, Diane said, “Pray about it because you want to know it’s where God wants you. When you feel it’s right, plunge in to everything you can because every little bit counts.”

And don’t let time constraints concern you. Diane recommends you volunteer even it is just a few hours every other week. She said, “It’s amazing what God can do with your time even if it's putting stamps on postcards.”

Diane added, “I can’t wait to get to heaven to see all the children and their families that this project has impacted because I know it’s going to be millions.”

A former mentor of Jill’s, Winnie Tuckness, serves as a regional area coordinator overseeing three Operation Christmas Child area teams. A few years ago, as Winnie drove US Highway 60 from Springfield to Nashville, Tennessee, she noticed First Baptist Church in Mountain View, Missouri, and thought it would be a good place for a shoebox drop-off location. When she noticed Matt Cobb was the pastor, she wondered if this could be Jill’s husband. She hadn’t had contact with the couple for 10 years.

Calling the church, she discovered it was in fact the same Matt and Jill Cobb whom she'd known years ago. This led to a reunion with the couple, and Winnie asked Jill if she would be interested in volunteering with Operation Christmas Child. She served in logistics first, and in 2016 became the area coordinator for the Springfield, Missouri Area Team.

During her interview for that position, Jill was reminded of a vision she’d had 10 years earlier of 1 billion people being saved during her lifetime. She shed tears of joy when she realized that, through Operation Christmas Child, she could have a small part in this becoming a reality.

“Jill is a gifted leader with such a passion and spiritual maturity,” Winnie said. “It’s exciting to see how God is using her.”

Jill quickly added, “I’m thankful God chooses to use us. It’s not that we’re amazing—through His grace and mercy He uses us.”

Jill Sims, community relations team member for the Washington, D.C., metro team, recruits organizations and volunteers to work with Operation Christmas Child, a Samaritan’s Purse project.

“Volunteering with Operation Christmas Child is very flexible around my schedule," said Jill, a scheduler in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Jill first volunteered at the Minneapolis Processing Center with her youth group growing up. Later, when she got involved in politics, she appreciated the positive environment of the organization.

“When I moved to a new city, I wanted to be involved in something bigger than myself and be part of a team that was working to help people all across the world," she said about her recent move to Washington, D.C.

“We prayed that we’d be able to describe that year in two words: only God,” Jill said. The Lord then surprised them with a total of 41,359 shoebox gifts! Some churches in their area actually collected twice their goal amount.

The uplifting nature of the project balances the negativity she faces on any given workday.

“Every day I do some work with Operation Christmas Child, I feel like I’m making a difference," Jill said. "I really love that it shares the Word of God. It’s so heartwarming and so positive. We have an opportunity every day to make the world a better place and to invite people to let God in their hearts.

“I wish everyone could volunteer with Operation Christmas Child. There are so many different things you can do. There’s something to match everyone’s strengths.”

A former mentor of Jill’s, Winnie Tuckness, serves as a regional area coordinator overseeing three Operation Christmas Child area teams. A few years ago, as Winnie drove US Highway 60 from Springfield to Nashville, Tennessee, she noticed First Baptist Church in Mountain View, Missouri, and thought it would be a good place for a shoebox drop-off location. When she noticed Matt Cobb was the pastor, she wondered if this could be Jill’s husband. She hadn’t had contact with the couple for 10 years.

Calling the church, she discovered it was in fact the same Matt and Jill Cobb whom she'd known years ago. This led to a reunion with the couple, and Winnie asked Jill if she would be interested in volunteering with Operation Christmas Child. She served in logistics first, and in 2016 became the area coordinator for the Springfield, Missouri Area Team.

During her interview for that position, Jill was reminded of a vision she’d had 10 years earlier of 1 billion people being saved during her lifetime. She shed tears of joy when she realized that, through Operation Christmas Child, she could have a small part in this becoming a reality.

“Jill is a gifted leader with such a passion and spiritual maturity,” Winnie said. “It’s exciting to see how God is using her.”

Jill quickly added, “I’m thankful God chooses to use us. It’s not that we’re amazing—through His grace and mercy He uses us.”

We're glad you could join us for Living Proof Live and thank you for your interest in The Greatest Journey discipleship program. After children receive Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts, many are invited to participate in this 12-lesson course that teaches them how to follow Christ and share Him with others. As they share their faith with friends and family, churches grow and multiply!

For just $6, you can supply a child with a trained teacher/mentor as well as The Greatest Journey workbook, memory cards, a New Testament, and a graduation certificate.

Franklin Graham, President, Samaritan’s Purse

Matthew 28:19 (NKJV)

Frequently Asked Questions <!--The Greatest Journey Student Materials-->

Have questions or suggestions? Email occinfo@samaritan.org

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Growing up in a small, rural Texas town, Kyle Brown never thought he would be in a position to help spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world.

Yet, serving as a year-round logistics volunteer with Operation Christmas Child has provided Kyle that opportunity as he helps lead White Rock Christian Fellowship to share God’s love with children in need across the globe.

This year, the congregation in Bandera—known as the “cowboy capital of the world”—packed 500 shoebox gifts. Kyle said the ministry project has “strengthened the church body.”

“Operation Christmas Child has changed our church because God is teaching us how to serve together,” he explained. “It’s bringing us closer.”

As a logistics volunteer, Kyle oversees the drop-off collection site at the church. He welcomes and hosts community members who bring in their shoebox donations—the first step in a worldwide journey.

White Rock Christian Fellowship members of all ages participated in shoebox packing parties throughout the year. Children and youth helped pack boxes and made special items to include such as sewing kits and fishing kits.

Kyle is grateful that his three children are able to serve God in such a special way.

“They’ll remember for the rest of their lives that God used Operation Christmas Child as an outlet for our family to serve,” he said.

Boxes packed by White Rock are unique in that the congregation packs a lot of boxes for boys ages 10-14, and each one includes tools such as hammers, pliers, screwdrivers, and tape measures.

Growing up, Kyle’s father taught him how to use tools and to work with his hands, but boys in poor communities overseas don’t always have that same opportunity to learn. They may not even grow up with a father in the home.

“These boys need to be able to make a living,” Kyle said. “They need to be able to eat, to work, and to do for themselves.”

Kyle has experienced joy in volunteering with Operation Christmas Child and watching God use his church family to make an eternal difference in the lives of others.

“Operation Christmas Child has been such a blessing to us. It has made my faith deeper seeing how God has provided.”

Sabrina Drewry serves year-round in logistics for Operation Christmas Child as the central drop-off coordinator for Community Bible Church in San Antonio, Texas.

“As the coordinator, my role was to organize and lay out logistically the areas of responsibility and action within the drop-off center,” Sabrina said. Then she recruited volunteers who were responsible for training other volunteers to welcome shoebox donors.

Sabrina felt that watching all of these volunteers work together was like watching the body of Christ in action. “We were all sad when it was over,” Sabrina said. She can’t say enough about why she serves in this role.

“I love the integrity of Samaritan’s Purse. I love it that pastors around the world are being given a tool to reach out to children they wouldn’t be able to reach otherwise. That simple gift makes an eternal difference in a child’s life. I love it that people of all ages and abilities can participate in packing a shoebox or volunteering at a drop-off center.”

Sabrina served seven years previously as an Operation Christmas Child project leader for the church. With this being her first year as drop-off center coordinator, Sabrina wondered whether her role would be all administrative in nature. To her surprise, she found it more “ministerial” as she interacted with the volunteers serving at the drop-off center.

“It was my most meaningful experience with Operation Christmas Child to date,” she said.

As Sabrina serves with this Samaritan’s Purse project, she is ministered to in return. “One of the blessings I’ve received is meeting other volunteers and the friendships I’ve formed. I would never have met these people except through Operation Christmas Child. These friendships inspire and encourage me.”

North American Ministries responds quickly when natural disasters strike, deploying an army of volunteers to come alongside homeowners to bring relief and compassion in Jesus’ Name. We also lead construction projects in remote Alaska and other parts of the world.

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Dear Friend,

Samaritan’s Purse has had a special relationship with Paul and Jan Crouch and TBN for many years. We praise God for the way He has used this partnership for the sake of the Gospel around the world. Now, we are especially pleased that Samaritan’s Purse has been named TBN’s Relief Organization of Choice.

For over 40 years, this ministry has worked in Jesus' Name to bring aid to the world’s poor, sick, and suffering. By providing food, water, medical care, and other assistance, we earn a hearing for the Good News of eternal life in Jesus Christ.

We rely on the prayers and support of generous donors to do what the Lord has called us to do. Thank you for your interest in our work, and may God bless you.

Franklin GrahamPresident

Diphtheria is spreading among the more than 800,000 Rohingya refugees crammed into Kutupalong camp—one of the largest refugee camps in the world. We opened a Diphtheria Treatment Center in Kutupalong on Dec. 31 and have seen more than 2,000 people, with more than 450 admitted for diphtheria. With proper treatment, people gasping for breath upon admittance can be fully recovered in a day or two.

Our 70-bed center was constructed in just a few weeks and is the only diphtheria center for the southern half of the refugee camp. Most of our patients are children, who are prone to more serious cases of the disease.

LATEST: Franklin Graham in Bangladesh to See Work with Rohingya Refugees • Rohingya Refugees in Bangladesh Receive Lifesaving Treatment for Diphtheria • Diphtheria Treatment Center Soon to Open in Bangladesh • Rohingya Refugees Receive Critical Surgical Care

In addition, Samaritan’s Purse is also supplying personnel and equipment to increase the capacity of Memorial Christian Hospital, where Rohingya refugees are receiving surgical care not available in the camps. Our DC-8 aircraft arrived in Bangladesh on Dec. 7 to deliver 20 tons of surgical equipment and medical supplies to Memorial Christian, one of our long-time partner hospitals. We have also provided funding for the construction of two wards for the hospital’s Rohingya Care Unit.

Dear Friend,

If you would like to challenge your children or grandchildren to memorize the 26 verses of the Gospel Alphabet, I would be happy to send you a copy for each one of them, as long as our supply lasts.

Select how many you need below, and we will get them in the mail to you. Let me know how they do!

“Thy Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).

Franklin GrahamPresident