Metcalfe Shoebox Mission Spreading the Gospel

By Carol Perkins

Jobe Publishing Contributor

Operation Christmas Child, part of Samaritan’s Purse, takes the Gospel to children and their parents to the ends of the earth. This mission provides shoeboxes filled with non-denominational materials in their native language, as well as fun gifts, school supplies, personal care items, accessories like socks, flashlights, hair bows, sunglasses, coloring books, crayons, and things kids enjoy. All boxes have a WOW item, such as a soccer ball (deflated with a pump), doll, stuffed animal, or shoes. Many other items can go inside, but nothing liquid. Age groups range from 2 to 4; 5-8, and 10-14.

Metcalfe County residents are gathering items and making donations, attempting to fill 1,000 boxes before November 1st. (The Edmonton Baptist Church is preparing 200 of these.) After shoeboxes are packed, they are delivered to regional offices and then to a processing center in North Carolina. Then they travel by freight or plane to poverty-stricken countries. When the shoeboxes arrive, children are offered a twelve-week study of Jesus’ Journey.

How can you help? There are several ways. You can organize your friends, involve your club, your church, or any organization and prepare boxes. You can sew bears and make totes! Or you can buy items and drop them off at ESB, the Chamber office, Barn Lot, the library, Country Tyme Diner, or Cindy’s at Center. Or you can make a donation and our “shoebox shoppers” will fill the boxes in your name. (Checks made to Shoebox Mission and mailed to Carol Perkins, PO Box 134, Edmonton). There is a Gofundme/Metcalfe shoebox mission set up as well.

The Great Commission is to spread the Gospel to all nations. We Metcalfe Countians want to be part of this mission.