Operation Christmas Child

It’s time, once again, for our AWANA to start planning for Operation Christmas Child! Each AWANA student is invited to fill a shoebox with gifts for children somewhere around the world. Many of these children have NEVER received a gift before! So let’s make this gift extra special! As you choose what to put in your shoebox, pray about each item. Every item you put in your shoebox matters, and God can use YOUR shoebox to reach a child He has specifically chosen to receive it.

What may seem like a small gift to you can be a wonderful reminder to another child that they are loved and remembered. Along with the items you send, each child who receives a shoebox will also have an opportunity to hear the GOOD NEWS of Jesus Christ in their own language! That’s a really big deal! So let’s pack as many shoeboxes as we can! Oh, and there is also a friendly competition between AWANA classes. So let’s see which group will bring in the most shoeboxes this year! The last day to turn in your AWANA shoeboxes is November 4. As an added blessing, the Missions Team will cover the $10 cost to ship and process the boxes.

You will also have an opportunity to pack more shoeboxes at our 2026 Operation Christmas Child Packing Party on November 8! The Packing Party will be open for all, young and old, following each service. You can help make the Packing Party a success by donating small toys, personal care items, or special gifts like a harmonica or sewing kit; anything that would be extra special to the child who receives it.

So let’s fill some shoeboxes, pray over them, and see how God uses each one to make a difference!

Terry Rhodes