Franklin Graham Launches Shoebox Campaign in London
Samaritan's Purse President Franklin Graham helped London schoolchildren wrap and pack shoeboxes, as part of Operation Christmas Child's campaign to reach their 100 millionth child with a gift-filled shoebox this year.
Over the past 22 years, through Operation Christmas Child (OCC), Samaritan's Purse has delivered 94 million shoeboxes to needy children in over 100 countries. Mr Graham is encouraging all churches, schools, workplaces, families and individuals around the world to help Samaritan's Purse lift this total to 100 million and beyond,
'I want to thank everyone in the UK for supporting Operation Christmas Child.
This year we will reach an historic number that is our 100 millionth shoebox and so we appreciate the prayers you send with these gifts that will be sent in Jesus' name,' said Mr Graham speaking from Christ Church, Spitalfields, where he met several children from Christ Church Primary School as they excitedly packed their shoeboxes.
The children presented Mr Graham with a gift-filled shoebox wrapped in Union Jack wrapping paper and asked him to give it to a child who most needed it this Christmas.
This Saturday, during the National Day of Prayer and Worship at Wembley Stadium,
Samaritan's Purse UK Executive Director Simon Barrington, will lead a time of prayer for the children in over 105 countries who will be receiving OCC shoeboxes this year.
'Each one of these shoeboxes is an opportunity to share God's love and for Churches overseas to point children to Jesus Christ as their saviour at Christmas,' said Mr Barrington
'Our hope is that those gathered at Wembley will be challenged and inspired to continue to be praying for and acting on behalf of those who are orphaned, living in poverty and disease and victims of trafficking.'