Operation Christmas Child 2024
Operation Christmas Child Collection Week at Five Lakes is November 17-24.
At Five Lakes Church, we are excited to play a part in Operation Christmas Child (OCC), a global ministry that brings the joy of Christmas and the Gospel message to millions of children around the world. As a local church, we are deeply involved in this mission, helping to pack and collect shoebox gifts that are filled with toys, school supplies, and personal care items. These simple gifts, put together by our church family—whether it’s individuals, families, or groups—are a way to share Christ’s love with kids who may have never heard the Gospel before.
But we’re not just packing boxes. Around the world, local churches like ours are partnering with Operation Christmas Child to distribute these shoebox gifts. In areas where the Gospel is yet to be heard, OCC volunteers and local church partners not only deliver the gifts but also share the Good News of Jesus Christ.
It’s amazing to think about how our church—along with others around the globe—plays a part in this bigger mission to impact the lives of children and their communities for eternity.
Every shoebox our church packs is a powerful tool for spreading the Gospel. When the gifts are handed out at outreach events, local church volunteers share the story of God’s Greatest Gift—Jesus Christ. Each child also gets a booklet called “The Greatest Gift”, written in their own language, with Bible passages and the message of salvation in a way they can easily understand.
By joining in and packing these shoeboxes, we’re helping to open doors for the Gospel in communities worldwide. In 2023 alone, over 118,000 outreach events took place, and “The Greatest Gift” booklet is available in 107 languages—with more translations coming.
Together, we’re part of a global network of believers sharing God’s love in a real, tangible way. We can’t wait to see how God uses our efforts this year to change the lives of children and their families around the world!
Here’s How You Can Get Involved
Take one of our shoeboxes or use one of your own and pack it full of gifts.
For suggestions, go to: How to Pack a Shoebox
Kids ages 3-10 can attend our OCC Experience.
Shoebox gifts are due November 24, 2024