Good News, Great Joy
Students come together to pack boxes for Operation Christmas Child
Last Wednesday was WC’s first-ever All-School Chapel for students in grades 1-12, and watching nearly 1,000 of our students worship the Lord together was an incredible joy.
In chapel, students watched a video message sent to WC from someone who received a shoebox as a child in Africa. He talked about how the bar of soap (something his family had to work hours to afford), the toothbrush (now he didn’t have to share with his brother!), and a yo-yo changed his life. He was so moved that he now works for Samaritan’s Purse and Operation Christmas Child.
Last week, students also heard stories from Mike McCleese, Regional Manager of Operation Christmas Child. Mike shared that a child only receives one box from OCC in their life; for many, it is the first gift they have ever received. Mike described watching a little boy pull a baseball glove and ball from his box, and the boy began to weep because he had been saving up for those very things. The boy admitted to feeling guilty about saving money because he knew that money could be given to his parents to help feed their family.
In addition to the shoebox, students hear the Gospel of Jesus. Mike recounted standing in a small, crowded, blistering hot room in the D.R. where children packed in to listen to a Bible lesson, utterly unfazed by the heat, hanging on the teacher’s every word. Many children whom OCC reach have never heard about Jesus.
We are excited to participate in this beautiful mission by packing boxes this week. Students will fill boxes during their chapel times, write a message to include in the box, and spend time in prayer for the child who will receive their box.
Students have an opportunity to “shop” for various items for their box, ranging from soccer balls, stuffed animals, notebooks, puzzles, and hygiene items. We are overwhelmed and encouraged by the support and generosity of our WC community leading up to this year’s OCC packing day. Families donated funds over the past two weeks that allowed students to pack 250 boxes this year, more than double the number of boxes from last year. Thank you.
