HOULTON, Maine — Christmas will be just a little bit brighter for children in underprivileged countries, as well as here in the United States thanks to the “Operation Christmas Child” program.
Houlton resident Martha Bell, who serves as logistics network coordinator for the Maine Northeast Team covering Washington and Aroostook counties for Operation Christmas Child, said the northeast team collected 6,521 boxes this season. That number is up 462 from 2016.
“The project is an opportunity to share His love through a shoebox,” Bell said. “The most amazing thing is once the shoebox is delivered to the child, they receive the greatest gift, which is material from their local church to enter into a 12-week disciple course. Upon completion, they receive a bible. So it’s more than just a shoebox with toys. It’s a gospel opportunity.”
According to the company’s website (https://www.samaritanspurse.org), “Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse, an international Christian relief and evangelism organization headed by Franklin Graham. … Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 146 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 150 countries and territories. For many of these children, the gift-filled shoebox is the first gift they have ever received.”
A total of 6,521 shoeboxes were collected for Operation Christmas Child this year. Gathering boxes at the Bethel Baptist Church in Oakfield are from left, Scott Pierce, Dave Sonderman, Malcom Rockwell, Paul Therrien Sr., Seth Rousseau, Roland Cameron, Martha Bell and Ami Pierce. (Contributed/Martha Bell)
In 2017, officials hope to collect enough shoebox gifts to reach another 12 million children in countries like Peru, the Philippines, Rwanda and Ukraine. Last year 11,485,662 shoe boxes filled with hygiene supplies, trinkets and clothing, were sent around the world to children in need. Over 9 million boxes stayed in this country to meet needs here.
Littleton Baptist Church and Bethel Baptist Church in Oakfield were the two primary drop-off locations for gift boxes this year. Boxes also were collected by churches in Houlton, Caribou, Baileyville, Blaine, Calais, Machias, Machiasport and Danforth.
“What is so powerful, is that all of our local churches and community members can come together under one heart and one mind to connect with the body of Christ across the globe,” Bell said.
At First Baptist Church in Houlton, about 20 members filled 122 shoeboxes during a Nov. 5 event. Jennifer Sylvester and Emily Reece co-chaired the project for First Baptist.
“There is something very satisfying about the tangible task of filling a box with goodies to delight a child,” Sylvester said. “Money is always needed for missions around the world but this simple shoebox allows the giver the opportunity to ‘almost’ touch a child through this effort.”
