Operation Christmas Child is an annual mission event at McCullers Community Baptist Church. This mission is fueled by our desire to follow in the footsteps of Jesus and to obey His commands to take the Gospel message to all the world. We remember that upon His resurrection, Jesus the risen Savior commanded His disciples to go into all the world and make disciples (Matthew 28:19). The promised power of the Holy Spirit drives our desire to share Jesus with people around the globe (Acts 1:8).
Samaritan’s Purse, through Operation Christmas Child, makes it possible for us to reach areas around the world in ways we could never do on our own. We support this ministry because we share the same desire to declare God’s love by helping those in need and proclaiming the Gospel hope.
This is the third year that we have partnered with Samaritan’s purse to send boxes packed with gifts and God’s love to children somewhere in the world. While we have no control over where the boxes go, we believe that each box has a divinely selected destination. A child somewhere will be surprised with a Christmas gift box and have the opportunity to hear the Gospel message, possibly for the first time.
Church members and like-minded people outside of our church packed almost 250 boxes last year, and we hope to do even more in 2021. We find that blessings come to us in two distinct ways. Selecting gifts and packing the boxes brings real joy, and so does imagining how a child might react when he or she receives an unexpected gift. Second, we find great pleasure in knowing that we, in some small way, have been obedient to Christ’s command.
Samaritan’s Purse reminds us that as the ministry teams work in crisis areas of the world, people often ask, “Why did you come?” The answer is always the same: “We have come to help you in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ.” Our ministry is all about Jesus, first, last, and always. As the Apostle Paul said, “For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake” (2 Corinthians 4:5 NIV). Who knows what a miracle-working God can do with one small box of love?
You would be most welcome to join us in this work. If you need OCC boxes, supplies, or directions, please contact us at the church address or by email at: 19linwood43@gmail.com