Well, another OCC is in the books! What a wonderful ministry. I am so very proud of our Operation Christmas Child leader, Jim Lee, our staff liaison, Benji Lavender, and every one of the many dedicated volunteers!
Lakewood is a blessing to Samaritan’s Purse as we serve as a regional collection center for OCC, but Lakewood receives a huge blessing as well from serving in such a noble ministry.
Jim Lee reported that Lakewood volunteers loaded five trucks with 23,539 shoeboxes! WOW! This is slightly more than last year, but the most important thing: these boxes are on their way to children who desperately need to hear the gospel and feel a sense of love. I am so very proud of how the Lakewood ministry stepped up again this year with over 60 volunteers participating in Collection Week.
I am saddened that due to being out of town on another ministry assignment, I missed the Code Keeper’s Wednesday Night Parade. I understand Benji did a great job filling in! I always enjoy interacting with our precious kids. They are so joyful to share. I would guess that, as in previous years, when the children were asked to name a country where the shoeboxes would be going, a child answered, “Alabama?”
Jim Lee is so gracious to be sure to show appreciation to our dedicated, energetic volunteers and strategic lay leaders including: Sue, Ellen, Greg, Kathy, Ed and Becky as well as all the volunteers that gave of their time throughout the week receiving boxes and relays from other churches. However, allow me say: Thank you, Jim! Your passion and planning inspires us all.
Please pray for the children that will receive the boxes over the next couple months. I am asking God that many will welcome Jesus into their hearts.
Peace,
Dr. Tom
Here’s the breakdown of the numbers over the years:
| Year | # of Boxes Collected |
| 2012 | 18,360 |
| 2013 | 20,955 |
| 2015 | 29,847 |
| 2016 | 20,898 |
| 2017 | 23,433 |
| 2018 | 23,539 |
Enjoy these pictures, taken by our own Sammy Smith as he dropped by a few times during the week:
