For the Children
October 26, 2021
One of the most famous verses in all of Scripture is John 3:16. We see it on billboards, on signs at sporting and national events, on mugs, plaques, and jewelry. “FOR God so loved the world that He gave…”
God demonstrated in a very tangible way that He was FOR us. His love was so great that it translated to giving, and giving at great sacrifice: His only Son for the world. Not only was it the only gift that could make the eternal difference for us, but it also shows us indefinitely what love looks like. Love is FOR the other person. Love gives. Love gives sacrificially.
That is why NewPointe exists. We are committed to letting people know that God is FOR them. We do that by demonstrating that we are FOR them. We demonstrate it by giving, even sacrificially, for them. We offer many opportunities throughout the year to be part of this loving demonstration. The opportunity coming up is partnering with Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child.
Samaritan's Purse is an evangelical Christian humanitarian aid organization that provides aid to people in physical need as a key part of its Christian missionary work. They care for those who are neglected, hurting, and broken around the world. Because there are so many needs all the time, Samaritan’s Purse operates all year long. During the Christmas season, Operation Christmas Child concentrates on children in need in most every country. They collect shoebox gifts filled with fun toys, school supplies, and hygiene items—and then deliver them to children in need around the world to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way. For many of these children, the gift-filled shoebox is the first gift they have ever received.
These are more than simple Christmas gifts. Delivered into the hands of children, every shoebox gift is an opportunity to share about Jesus Christ and God’s love. As you fill your box for a child, you can write them a note and send a picture of yourself or your whole family. For many of the children, this is the favorite part of the gift.
Many children who have received a shoebox gift are also able to participate in The Greatest Journey, a 12 lesson discipleship program. Children learn from trained, local volunteers what it means to follow Jesus and share their faith with friends and family.
Would you participate in Operation Christmas Child this year? Share God's love and the Good News of Jesus Christ with a child in need by packing a shoebox with gifts. Get your whole family involved! It is a great way to train and teach your children about generosity and being used by God to bring hope to a world that is in many ways less fortunate than we are. If you are strategic and intentional, this can be a huge teaching moment for your kids.
You can pick up your boxes at your campus beginning now. Make a gift list, and then plan your packing party. Pray over your gifts and the children who will receive them.
The drop-off date is November 14 at your campus. I’m getting ready for my child starting this week.