As we draw closer to the holidays we search for ways to give. To serve others. To help those in need. One program we’ve always participated in is Operation Christmas Child. Churches and businesses usually have drop off centers. So this year I began printing off our labels that we affix to the shoe boxes that are filled with all sorts of goodies for those in need. As I removed the labels from our printer I was hit with the realization that we already have children that are in need. You see, every time we add a new member to our family we add a new child to sponsor. And I am ashamed to say that we have never once written these children. We got our first child nine and a half years ago. Needless to say he has aged out of the program since then. But there is no excuse for us not reaching out to the rest of these sweet children. And so we finally did. It is never too late, right?
We packed up our children and headed to Target. With a list in hand we sought to buy things that the children ‘needed’. Colored pencils, hair ties, paper, stickers for fun, etc.
The children set out each envelope and filled them appropriately. I then wrote a letter to each one and addressed the packages.
How I wish we could see the look on their faces when they get their personalized mail bags! And how badly I want to apologize for taking so selfishly long to connect.
We have learned how important it is to give these children hope. To let them know they are being lifted up in prayer. Thank you, Lord, for this opportunity to serve You.
Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
{James 1:27 ESV}
Edited: Since this post was written we have added one more child to sponsor. We decided to go through Food for the Hungry and we’re all very excited to write a letter to our sweet little girl in Uganda and send her a care package as well! Here is a photo of some of the family making that difficult decision of who to sponsor.
Blessings!
