Operation Christmas Child & A Funny Story

Operation Christmas Child is a ministry that is near and dear to my heart. Part of Samaritan’s Purse’s outreach ministries, it seeks to share God’s love by putting a shoe box full of gifts into the hands of children who wouldn’t usually get anything for Christmas.

I was blessed to be a part of a church that really got into this ministry. It was a area drop off point, and every year we had a shoe box packing party one Sunday after church (using, in large part, things that church members had gotten throughout the year and we had stored at church for the event).

As our kids get older, I want them to be involved in this, and other outreaches. To teach them about giving and thinking of others ahead of themselves.

Reading some of the stories from these kids makes me cry almost every time. Hearing how a pair of shoes or notebooks can change lives and make someone feel loved is moving.

Back to school is a great time of year to think of this ministry. Between getting new shoes (hello boxes!) and the sales on school supplies, it is a good time to stock up.

I have really felt lead to share ideas on how you can get involved, or better yet, get your church into it (if it isn’t already) or add some new ideas to help make the most of this wonderful outreach.

Tomorrow I will share about how you can pack your own box (or 10), with some ideas to make every cent count.

Thursday I will share about how to help your church set up a Shoe Box Packing Party.

At some point soon, I will post some unique ideas I’ve seen for shoe box stuffers.

This is such a great ministry, and a wonderful way to teach your kids about giving, prayer and missions.

If you can not wait until then (or if I get totally waylaid by laundry as has been known to happen), please check out the Official Website for Operation Christmas Child.

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This week’s The Loft Prompt is “A Funny Story”

I’ve been trying to think of a particular funny story all week. There are probably thousands of them I know, but to think of one off the top of my head? Without further prompt? My mommy brain has been bad. The last few weeks have been on little sleep. Not great for thinking!

Last night I finally thought of one.

For years (something like 14) my church did a particular program for Easter. I was a part of it for 2 or 3 before we moved into our new building and ended the run.

The first year, I was just one woman who sat in the crowd as a follower of Christ when the actor portraying Him ‘taught’.

The second year I was in ‘the healing scene’ when several of the miraculous healings where portrayed, as the woman who touched them hem of Jesus’ garment.

During one of the last rehearsals, the man who played a lame man who is also healed by Jesus asked a question about timing.

Only he couldn’t think of my title (okay, so “the woman who touches Jesus’ garment” is a tough one I guess), so he said something to the effect of “you know, that….that…that Jezebel woman, you know, the harlot?”.

I knew he meant me. Everyone else knew he meant me. Our pastor said something along the lines of “You mean Robbi’s character?”

So, the rest of the week I got called Jezebel. A lot. Actually, it was for a while after that I was jokingly called Jezebel.

At the cast party I did get a spuddy award though. It was a most auspicious award given to those who had made some of the most memorable moments during that week. Somewhere, I have a picture of a potato dressed up with a lacy skirt, a bikini top, it’s face was very made up and long, flowing curly hair. I wish I knew right off hand where that was.

My consolation in that was the guy who made the flub up also got one. It was “the gospel according to Tony” award. His spud was dressed in a tunic and was carrying ‘tablets’ (think small sticky pads) that had “squiggle, squiggle, squiggle, Jezebel, squiggle, squiggle, squiggle, the harlot, squiggle, squiggle, squiggle” on them.

I hope you have enjoyed this post, the information and the funny story.