Operation Christmas Child 2014 Season Kicks Off at Metro Atlanta Churches

IMAGE: Kelly and Stewart Franklin of Lawrenceville Church of God, with Pastor Kevin Harris, receiving Samaritan’s Purse award for 5 year partnership.

Operation Christmas Child, the world’s largest Christmas Project, kicked off the 2014 season with three different Atlanta celebrations including one on Monday, September 8 at Lawrenceville Church of God. Lawrenceville Church of God is a strong supporter of Samaritan’s Purse and OCC, and has actually been awarded a five year recognition award from Samaritan’s Purse for their dedication and involvement.

At these three events, excited project leaders and volunteers from over 30 churches and local organizations gathered to hear inspirational speakers and to share personal experiences and helpful ideas, with the goal of collecting 80,000 gift-filled shoeboxes this year for hurting children around the world.

Not only are Lawrenceville churches strong supporters, but also local residents such as Jane Bomboy of Lawrenceville. Bomboy has been packing shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child for over seven years and was thrilled to be the lucky winner of 100 pre-decorated shoeboxes.

Bomboy shared, “What a great opportunity was opened for me by the Lord through the winning of the top door-prize at the OCC kick-off. Actually, it is 100 opportunities that arrived in one carton. Each year I ask the Lord to increase the amount of boxes my ladies Bible study group can deliver for this important ministry, and this challenge will be fantastic to achieve. As of today, a commitment of 60 boxes has been taken. One of the women who recently moved to Tennessee is requesting 20 boxes for her new office. I can’t wait to face the final project count and experience—what a blessing it will be.”

A project of Samaritan’s Purse, Operation Christmas Child allows individuals to fill shoeboxes with school supplies, clothing, toys and hygiene items for a hurting child. Since 1993, through these simple gifts, more than 100 million children in more than 100 countries have received a message of hope through Jesus Christ.

This year Lawrenceville Church of God, Mount Zion Baptist Church and Snellville First Baptist will all serve as drop-off locations during National Collection Week, November 17-24, when shoeboxes will be collected before beginning a journey that will end in the arms of a child who can experience Christmas for the first time.

To find out more about how to take part and learn how you can track the destination of your shoebox, visit www.samaritanspurse.org.