It may be only October, but area Operation Christmas Child volunteers are already gearing up for several events in the area featuring speaker, Anabel Rosario. Anabel’s Father was a pastor who worked multiple jobs in order to provide for the church as well as his family of five. Through this meager existence they were constantly reminded that God is faithful. One Sunday Anabel’s church celebrated “El dia del Nino.” At this special gathering for children she received an Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift. When she opened it, she was ecstatic to find stuffed animals, personal care items and school supplies – all items that she needed at the time. Mesmerized by the contents of her box, she wondered who sent her this beautiful gift. She saw the letter that was included in her shoebox along with the photograph of the ones who packed it. Even though she couldn’t understand English at the time, she understood the word love in the letter and knew that her shoebox was packed with love.
Anabel many times questioned why God allowed her family to suffer in poverty. Her simple shoebox gift reassured her that God is faithful.
Ten years after receiving her shoebox gift, Anabel suddenly lost her father, mother and older sister in a tragic accident. Amidst tears and sadness, she felt the Lord remind her of the lesson her father had taught her throughout childhood, the lesson that her shoebox reassured – God is faithful.
Anabel will be in the area to share her story at south central Kansas schools, churches and the following Project Leader Workshops. Everyone is invited to hear her share, and to receive free resources, ideas & inspiration for packing shoebox gifts for children in need around the world.
Wednesday, October 2, First Southern Baptist Church, 1201 E 23rd St. Hutchinson 6:30 – 8:00 pm.
Thursday, October 3, First Missionary Church, 1310 Avenue C, Dodge City 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Saturday, October 5, Mead United Methodist Church, 204 N Park St., Meade 10:30 – 12:00 pm
Sunday, October 6, Ridgepoint Church, 8000 W 21st. St. Wichita. 6:30 – 8:00 pm.
Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse that delivers gift-filled shoeboxes to children around the world in Jesus’ name. Individuals, families, churches & groups pack shoeboxes with school supplies, personal care items & fun toys and bring them to drop-off locations during National Collection Week, November 18-25. Last year south central Kansas collected over 29,000 shoebox gifts, and hope to this year reach their goal of 32,000. Each a tangible expression of hope and God’s love. For information on how you can get involved visit samaritanspurse.org/occ.
