Operation Christmas Child at First Baptist Church Sun Lakes

Pam Wortman

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, at First Baptist Church Sun Lakes (FBCSL), that is. Operation Christmas Child (OCC) ministry starts with the planning phase in January and February, but the official launch for OCC begins in March. As the months pass, the inventory of Christmas goodies comes rolling in, like a snowball rolling downhill. Moving into the few final months, inventory is counted, hundreds of boys’ shorts and frilly dresses for girls are stitched, school supplies and toys are bought, the familiar red and green shoeboxes get assembled, and, finally, the shoebox tree goes up.

Through Operation Christmas Child, Samaritan’s Purse shares the Good News of Jesus Christ with millions of children in more than 100 countries each year. Many of these children have never received a gift or heard the true meaning of Christmas—until they open an OCC shoebox from someone like you.

The mission of OCC is to show God’s love in a tangible way to children in need at home and abroad. Through this project, Samaritan’s Purse partners with local churches worldwide to share the Good News of Jesus and make disciples of the nations.

Are you interested in serving with Operation Christmas Child? Whether it’s packing a gift-filled shoebox, volunteering, leading your church, or donating, we have many opportunities for you to get involved and make an eternal difference! All money donated goes to filling shoeboxes. Call the FBCSL office at 480-895-1088 if you would like to help. After all, the prettiest sight to see is the excitement and smiles as these shoeboxes are distributed.