We
held an “Operation Christmas Child” event again this year at the church we are
initiating in the Misiones community- for 156 children and family members!
With
balloons, music, and an inflatable bounce house on the basketball court directly
beside our church room, many families were attracted to the fun. After games and songs, we presented the
Gospel message of our sin, Jesus’ life, sacrifice on the cross, resurrection
and salvation for those who repent and believe in Him. Every child present raised their hand to
express their desire for Jesus to be their savior.
As
a physical example of God’s love for each child, and Jesus’ free gift of
salvation offered to each one, we gave out the “Operation Christmas Child”
shoeboxes. The children, and even
parents, were so excited!
Mario,
8 years old, said that his
favorite gift was the Gospel booklet he received,
because “it tells about Jesus” (as he excitedly informed us). He even told his mother: “Look, Mom, this
book tells us about Jesus!”
Ivan,
10 years old, received a pair of shoes in his shoebox. His mother, with tears in her eyes,
approached Paco to thank him, and ask who had sent these beautiful gifts. Paco explained how believers in the United
States, with much love and prayer, sent each box so that children here could know
Jesus’ love.
Ivana,
6 years old, exclaimed: “Jesus sent me what I needed!”, while holding a pair of
flip-flops from her shoebox. Her mother
explained that just the night before she had thrown away Ivana’s old, broken
flip-flops.
We
continue to pray that the Lord would raise up His church in Misiones! And that
many of these children and their families will continue to seek the Lord
through our weekly discipleship.
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