Shoebox Ministry Update

Back in February I shared with you about Samaritan's Purse and their Shoebox Ministry. I decided that for every pair of shoes I purchased, for the rest of the year, I was going to make a box for this ministry. I challenged you to do the same.

Our church decided not to participate in Operation Christmas Child this year, opting instead to make Joy Boxes that would be delivered to children in Mexico by one of our missionaries. I realized that it didn't matter which organization my shoe boxes went to as long as lives were touched.

I took my boxes to church last Sunday and I'm pleased to announce that there were eight! I kept my promise to the Lord and to myself. Because of my shoe-fetish eight children will receive something this Christmas. The added bonus is that they will also learn about the love of Jesus Christ. What an amazing Christmas gift!

Before you think that I have a true issue with purchasing shoes, let me put a disclaimer here. I even did this if I purchased flip flops. This included shoes for myself, hubby and even my grandson. I purchased things for the boxes all year long. After Easter when basket stuffers were deeply discounted, I stocked up. Back to school sales at Walmart for school supplies, I stocked up. The Dollar Tree. Anywhere I shopped, I thought about those boxes. It actually became very fulfilling as the contents piled up.

If you accepted my challenge, and made boxes this year, I thank you. If you didn't, maybe you would consider it for next year. If you attend my church, it's not too late to make a box for this year. They are due this Sunday.

Times are tough for everyone this year, but this really didn't feel like a hardship. It almost became a passion. I hope that even just a couple of you join me next year.