The Greatest Gift

-


What is the greatest gift you've ever received?  I have gotten lots of nice ones throughout my life.  Sentimental things are at the top of my list. Jewelry that belonged to my grandmother, handwritten cards, handmade items from my kids and my friends, etc.  Probably the most prized item I now own is my Dad's Colt 45 Gold Cup given to me by my Mom after he passed away.  He had acquired it from my Pop.  It's top of the line and in pristine condition, but it isn't the value of the pistol that means the most to me.  It's that I know who had it before me and how much it meant to them.  Sometimes the gift itself isn't what matters most.

I've been involved with Operation Christmas Child, a division of Samaritan's Purse, for almost 20 years.  If you aren't familiar with the ministry, shoebox gifts are packed with items for children in other countries and then distributed at events where the Gospel is presented to them.  Each child is also given the opportunity to participate in a twelve-week discipleship program afterward.  

I shop for bargains all year long so that I'm able to send several boxes each year.  I try to send fun items as well as useful ones.  Each box is packed with love and then prayed over.  The reason for this is because the main purpose of the gift isn't the tangible items inside the box, it's the feeling that each child gets when they know someone loved them enough to take the time to send them something.  More importantly, it's the opportunity to share with them that someone loves them more than we ever could.  Each gift opens the door to be able to tell them about Jesus and the free gift of salvation that is offered to us. 

If you have never accepted the gift of salvation, I would love to tell you how you can receive it.  If you would like to know more about Operation Christmas Child and how you can participate, I'd love to share that with you as well.  Below the scriptures, is a video link that you can watch.  You may email me for more information at:  julieetheridge72@gmail.com

For by grace you have been saved through faith.  And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.     -Ephesians 2:8-9

The free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.  -Romans 6:23  


Operation Christmas Child Video Link Below

Operation Christmas Child 2023 Overview - YouTube



Click the link below to receive an email when new blog content is posted. 

https://follow.it/hallelujahe-we-are-not-alone?leanpub


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Walking Through the Fire

-
Image
  Thursday was Rusty’s birthday. We had just returned from MD Anderson the day before and were waiting on final recommendations. Thankfully, the cancer had not spread to his lungs, but it was confirmed to be in his foot again. I received a call from his oncologist that the surgeon recommends a below the knee amputation. It’s not the news anyone wants to hear, especially on their birthday. But considering the alternative, we were still very thankful that it was only in his foot.  We don’t know when or where the surgery will take place yet. Only that amputation is the recommended course of action. For anyone, this would be a life-changing event. For Rusty, it will be a major adaptation. For 13 years, he has worked a schedule of 13 days on and 1 day off pretty consistently.  I woke up yesterday morning with the song Fires  on my mind. I immediately looked it up and then I teared up as I paid attention to the lyrics.  There have been two different times in our almos...
Read more

Here We Go Again

-
Image
  If at first you don’t succeed… Rusty’s wound hasn’t healed like they want.  He’s having another procedure later today to debride and reclose. He’s doing good over all and getting around well. Prayers for a successful surgery are appreciated. 
Read more