New team member welcomed at Norfolk charity branch
The Norfolk team of Operation Christmas Child, a Christian charity that distributes shoeboxes filled with gifts to children, has welcomed Tracy to their team, and together they will encourage more people to get involved in the charity's mission.
Tracy Niemann joins Debra and Mark Watkins as the Church and Community Relations team members for Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child (OCC).
Across the UK there are dedicated volunteers working for the charity all year round. Volunteers comprise Christians of all denominations, and people of other faiths and none. There are many ways to help, for example, driving and collecting the shoebox gifts from donors and taking them to the processing centres. A popular role is to volunteer to check the shoeboxes for customs compliance before they are loaded onto a lorry or container to be sent to children around the world.
The UK processed and sent 241,015 shoeboxes last year, all possible due to fantastic volunteers.
Mark said, “We have been praying that we could build up a Norfolk team, and at the heart of this was the need for prayer team members, and so we are pleased that Tracy has joined us, as an all-year-round team prayer member.” Debra added, “we have already experienced the tremendous support, to know that Tracy is praying for us and OCC and also sending messages of hope and encouragement.”
Tracy went through the application process with Trish Ellse the regional manager for OCC East of England, and is now in the process of completing online training. Tracy said,
“What a blessing to be invited to join Mark and Debra's OCC team as God knew I needed to be serving Him through this amazing ministry."
Debra and Mark are keen to continue to build up a team in Norfolk. They have found the support from Samaritans Purse prayerful and encouraging, as well as the friendships that they have now made across Norfolk. Mark said, "The time you give is what works for you, what we ask is that you pray and seek what God wants you to do and that you come with a heart that has a love for this ministry. Anyone interested please feel free to contact us."
Those interested wanting more information on Operation Christmas Child for your church, school, group or business; volunteering contact Mark and Debra Watkins at markdebrawatkinsocc@yahoo.com
Visit: www.samaritans-purse.org.uk
On Saturday September 6, there is a project leaders workshop in Norwich at 9.30am, which is a good opportunity to hear about the charity's work
https://www.networknorwich.co.uk/Calendar/Month.aspx?show_event=5763453
Pictured above: Mark and Debra Watkins and Tracy Niemann