In 2007, many such "missionaries' sent 7,690,768 shoe box gifts to children who are surviving in the most desperate circumstances in more than 105 countries. 

   Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan's Purse, headquartered in Boone, NC and headed by Franklin Graham.  Since its adoption in 1993 by Samaritan's Purse, Operation Christmas Child has distributed more than 61  million shoe box gifts that are given in the name of Jesus to children in over 138 different countries.

Operation Christmas Child is a ministry of HOPE.

Mark 10 13-16:

   People were bringing little children to Jesus to have Him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them.  When Jesus saw this, He was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I rell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."  And he took the children in his arms, and put his hands on them and blessed them.

   With the simple gift of a shoebox, sent in the name of Jesus, doors are opened, transcending culture, age and language to enable the sharing of the good news all over the world.

   We in the SouthEast Ohio Area Team invite you to join us as we enter the missionary field via a shoebox and see the Power of A Simple Gift.