Former columnist witnesses cheer spread by Operation Christmas Child
Christmas (and Thanksgiving) arrived early for me this year.
It all came about because of my reputation as a faith and values columnist in the Daily Herald and other publications. My 35 years as a freelance writer and author finally caught up with me.
Samaritan's Purse, a worldwide humanitarian relief agency based in Boone, North Carolina, invited me to be part of a media trip to Grenada a few weeks ago. The purpose of the four-day trip was to observe the distribution of shoe box gifts for poor children packed by North Americans last Christmas.
Our local congregation had never participated in the shoe box gift project known as Operation Christmas Child, but I was very familiar with the annual charitable program. The concept of filling a small box with little items that would result in a big smile on the face of a child in a faraway place captured my imagination. I was curious to see the program up close.
Our team of writers, broadcasters and bloggers arrived in St. Georges, Grenada, almost 32 years to the day after President Reagan had sent American troops to stabilize an unstable political situation on the island nation in the Caribbean. The contrast between the resort hotel where we stayed and the living conditions in the villages was mind-boggling.
I couldn't help but smile as I watched 400 children at a local school open their shoe boxes. The explosion of excitement was deafening. The continuous cries of glee went on for more than a minute. Children ages 5 to 15 were totally surprised to be handed a gift. Due to the extreme poverty of their parents, most of these kids never receive birthday gifts, let alone Christmas presents.
As these adorable children rifled through their shoe boxes, my heart melted. I thought to myself, "If only those who had packed each box could see what I'm witnessing, they would know their efforts were more than worthwhile."
For a single moment, the abject poverty that defined their fragile world and limited their options was forgotten. Thanksgiving was still a month away, but I found myself thanking God for the benefits and blessings that punctuate my life. I was grateful for the privilege of being a means of grace in their little lives.
Because Samaritan's Purse is a Christian relief organization, the Grenadian organizers made it clear to our media team that the little packages being handed out provided a practical way to punctuate the message of the gospel. In the original Christmas child, a loving heavenly father surprised a needy world by giving them an unexpected gift.
I was amazed to learn that each year Americans and Canadians pack more than 8 million shoe box gifts that are sent by container ships around the world to the poorest of the poor. If you include churches, Scouting groups and schools in Great Britain and Europe that pack boxes, that number goes up to more than 11 million.
As you might guess, I returned from my trip to Grenada determined to introduce my congregation (and my family) to this other-centered way of celebrating Christmas.
If you would like pack your own shoe box gift or find out more about Operation Christmas Child, visit samaritanspurse.org/occ. As I went to the website, I discovered it is possible to fill a virtual box by pointing and clicking on practical and fun gifts that are age- and gender-appropriate to the child who will receive the gift.
If you find yourself intrigued and wanting to participate, you need to know that the national collection week for Operation Christmas Child is Nov. 16-22. This allows for gifts to be collected early enough in the holiday season to be processed and transported so they will arrive at their intended destination at just the right time.
• The Rev. Greg Asimakoupoulos is a former Naperville resident and Neighbor columnist who wrote regularly about faith and family.