Shoebox Target

Imelda Marcos was famous for her obsession with shoes. 

Presumably, she had loads of shoeboxes. 

In our house, we have a few empty shoeboxes, which could be useful.

Operation Christmas Child, organised by the Samaritan's Purse charity, has been providing Christmas presents to needy children in over 100 countries for the last 22 years. In that time, a staggering 94 million shoeboxes have been donated, delivered and enjoyed. Their target is that, this year, they will reach the 100 million milestone.

That would be wonderful, and we can all play our small part in this practical and generous work.

But why is it called 'the Samaritan's Purse'?

The name comes from the story Jesus told about the Good Samaritan, who behaved generously and mercifully towards the beaten up man he encountered on his journey from Jerusalem to Jericho. '“Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him. Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, ‘Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I’ll pay you the next time I’m here.’ (Luke 10.33-35)

As the Samaritan paid money to the innkeeper, we can safely assume that he had a purse, from which he provided for the needs of the injured man.  

“Now which of these three would you say was a neighbour to the man who was attacked by bandits?” Jesus asked. The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.” Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.” (Luke 10.36-38)

Therefore, if we want to do what Jesus says, we also need to make use of the resources which are available to us - an empty shoebox, and some time and a few pounds - in order to provide for a Christmas present for a poor child. How simple and possible for many of us to take part.

Details of what we need to do to fill a shoebox are on the leaflets available in the Coffee Shop, or at http://www.operationchristmaschild.org.uk/

Best wishes,

Richard