To all my people back in the states that have had any hand in Operation Christmas Child—thank you. Thank you for praying over the children that will receive the boxes. Thank you for taking the time to curate toys and essentials that will bless a child and their family.
Back at home I had the privilege over many years to help gather materials and pack boxes for children overseas. I thought it was a fun activity to do around the holidays, but never understood what a box could really mean to a child.
Now I see the other side—I am here in Guate getting to witness children being blessed by soap, crayons, fishing gear, and clothes. CASA, the church we are partnering with, had some left over boxes that we were able to open and make goody bags out of for our children’s ministry event. 45 children got to hear the story of Jesus and receive blessings from your Operation Christmas Child box.
I just wanted to encourage you and say thank you so much for doing your part at home to make a 10 year old girl squeal because she got her first ever stuffed animal. Thank you for gifting a soccer ball to a little boy who’s eyes lit up as soon as he saw it. Thank you for giving. Truly it is a blessing to see the other side of the heart behind this ministry. I was brought to tears by a 4 year old boy who screamed “Mami look” when she opened up a toothbrush.
This isn’t just about the Christmas boxes. It is about each time you and your family has prayed over missionaries and families overseas. It is about the times that you have given financially to those like me that are serving abroad. It is about the people you are discipling in your own home that will also be men and women of Kingdom impact. It is about saying yes to Jesus every opportunity you get. You guys— the people here and right in your own town are being blessed by you. So for that—thank you.
XOXOX,
Katherine
Love this!!! I am going to share it with Mrs Denise and your FBC BATESVILLE family!
Love you. Proud of you!!!
Dawn
This is so exciting!! So glad you got to experience the other side of the box. I can still see you packing all those boxes with us at First Baptist. We are working so hard to get ready for our packing week. I will be praying for you.
Nothing better than a child’s smile and child like faith. Blessings, Nana??
Dear Catherine, you are in the land I love. Dennis and I have been blessed to do mission work in Quate many times. One of the nicknames for my co- missionary women’s group is the “Guatemama’s “!! Lol! Your post about the shoeboxes was amazing and touching. It truly does not take much see a child’s eyes light up!
Praying for you sweet girl as you serve as the hands and feet of Jesus! ????
Catherine, What an amazing life experience you are having. God is blessing us by allowing us to see through your eyes the results of the shoebox ministry. As I remind our workers as we are packing how truly blessed we are and how a very small act may change a life forever. I continue to keep you (and your team) in my prayers and I can’t wait to see where the Lord leads you next!
How wonderful, this is, you are a blessing to this world. I love reading your fantastic experiences. Love you, keep up your kindness toward new friends. Good job, baby girl.
This is great! Thanks for sharing!! We’ve been making shoeboxes for years!?
What a gift to be able to see this ministry from the other side. Thanks for sharing. See you soon!!