Operation Christmas Child Update

This is an email I received this week from Mike Downs our Operation Christmas Child Coordinator...

"People often wonder where their shoe boxes ended up. I used an EZ Give Boy/Girl label and one of my shoe boxes went to the Philippines. I’d encourage others from our church who used the EZ Give option to let the congregation know where their shoe boxes went. I also pray that our congregation feels the joy, compassion and excitement of being able to do something in the lives of Children around the world.

Here is a brief story about how shoe-boxes delivered in the Philippines changes the life of a few children:

Reerose was 14 when she received her first Christmas present. She was overjoyed to get a shoe box containing a variety of school supplies—exactly what she needed for her course work.

“It is exciting to know that people like you from the other parts of the world are concerned about our situation here,” Reerose said. “Even my parents were very happy because what I prayed for was granted.”

Jeric received something even more valuable than the gifts inside his box. After enrolling in the follow-up discipleship program, he learned more about the real meaning of Christmas and accepted Jesus as his Savior.

“Before I came to know to know the Lord, I was very bad, disobedient to my parents, and caused much trouble to my brothers and sisters,” he said. “When I came to know Him, I was changed. I learned pray and thank Jesus. I am also not lying to parents anymore.”

Like Reerose, 12-year-old Jeric lives in a poor community. Last year God provided an answer to one of his prayers when a line of electricity was connected to their house. With the addition of electric lights, Jeric spends more time in the evening studying.

“I believe that nothing is impossible to God,” he said. “I believe Jesus loves me and poverty is not a hindrance to my dreams. Jesus is with me! He will guide me as I grow up.”

For millions of children, Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes are tangible expressions of God’s love and constant presence. They are reassured that they have a heavenly Father who cares. And that’s a gift that endures forever!"

Dog Playing In The Snow

Every Christmas people send me videos of fun things for Christmas. This one is from Janet Mercer who sent this over and made our staff chuckle. Make sure to watch the second half because it gets funnier as it goes along, especially when he runs into the tree.

Ice Skating in Old Town

This Wednesday night we had our all church gathering at the Folsom Ice Skating Rink. We had one of the best church gatherings ever. Our family had so much fun skating, laughing, and hanging out with everyone from church. Here's a bunch of photos from Wednesday night. You can click them for a larger view.