Thanks from Christian shoebox charity 

Local organisers of Operation Christmas Child wish to thank people in Norfolk for their involvement in the project this year. 

Operation Christmas Child (OCC) has been collecting and delivering shoebox gifts—filled with school supplies, hygiene items and fun toys—to children worldwide for over three decades. Debra and Mark Watkins volunteer as Church and Community Relations Team Members for Norfolk. Their involvement in this ministry gives them opportunity to have fellowship with churches; schools; clubs and individuals across the county. This year they have seen many encouragements, from seeing children across the county showing acts of love by sending shoeboxes to engaging with new churches ready to show their compassion in prayer and deed. Mark said, “one of the blessings that has come out of our volunteering is seeing the impact churches are having across the county.  This is well advertised in Network Norfolk, such an important part of evangelising, by showing and celebrating, God at work in this county. We are grateful for all who partner with us; for the warmth and fellowship that we have been shown and for Network Norfolk, helping us to share about OCC."

Mark and Debra wish to thank everybody who packed a shoebox in Norfolk. Mark said, "Please continue to pray for the safe arrival of shoeboxes and that God will equip the countries with workers ready to share God’s love with each child. Shoeboxes both aim to give and take away. By this we mean that they give and send love to a child in need of hearing they are valued; loved and heard. The other side is that a shoebox can take away, fear; feeling alone; hurt; tears and hopelessness. Please do not underestimate the power of your giving, be it to this ministry or to others."

Those interested in more information on Operation Christmas Child for your church, school, group or business can contact Mark and Debra Watkins markdebrawatkinsocc@yahoo.com
 
Visit: www.samaritans-purse.org.uk