Picture who God is for OCC Boxes

chick tracts are always good, easy to understand, you can get ones without much words in them.

From what I've been told and read by those who actually check and pack the boxes at the centres, a gospel tract written in the child's own language is added to each box anyway. Don't forget that Samaritan's Purse/ Operation Christmas Child is a Christian organisation and that the whole point of what they do is to reach out with God's love. Have a look online sometime at the stories and testimonies from those who have been at the end where the boxes are distributed and from many of the children/ young people themselves and you'll see that the gospel does get through.

Of course, this is the majority of boxes- as some coutries have strict regulations about the distribution of evangelical literature.

They also have the The Greatest Journey programme- where it's offered in the native language of the recipients of the shoeboxes, wherever it's possible to run it. Local teachers are specially trained to run it. At the end each child gets their own New Testament. So far it's reached over 2 million children and their families.

I think, personally, I'd let the orgnisation sort out that aspect- they're the ones with the expertise and resources and know exactly who they can and can't send literature like this to- and how to follow it up.

Unrelated, but I want to share a story with you

When I was a missionary in Honduras I climbed a mountain with a couple of others through the jungle. About 3 hours down this jungle track we came to a small house. This adorable 5 year old kid has a OCC box, kept in imaculate condition, it meant the world to her. I just found it surreal that in a place that many 4 people a year visit this child had a box

I've got a shoebox waiting. I need to fill with more..whatever people give me that a child would love, goes in the box.
What's in yours?

This is whats in mine...
teddy bear
bangles
hair clips
flower clip
ballet stockings
japanese fan
chocolate heart shaped tin
3D glasses
pencil
postcard
knickers (lol)
pen
band aids
wet wipes
moisturiser

not sure if all is suitable to send..(like the moisturiser) the clothing is all new I'm not sending old stuff

Jesusisgood said:

I want to have something other than toys and stuff for my shoebox for Operation Christmas Child. I want at least one thing maybe like a pintable gospel for them to get to know God and plant a seed. The hard part is that they may or may not speak English and I have no idea what country my box will end up until it gets there. Anyone have ideas or resources? Maybe a printable page with pictures. So far I just have cute nativity scene stickers on my box but it wont do anything if they don't know who or what it is...:/

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* It's the little things that touch a person's heart... I came to know the
Lord before I was seven years old. I had an early immersion with Bible
stories, biblical coloring papers, children's hymns etc... I'm in my forties
and those little things are still part of my memory... my mom said I was
singing hymns when I was toddler...never underestimate what God can
do with a little something like nativity stickers, a song, or a gift box coming from
a stranger in another country...that's prayed for their gift to impact a child's
life and draw him/her to the Lord.

Goodbook said:

I've got a shoebox waiting. I need to fill with more..whatever people give me that a child would love, goes in the box.
What's in yours?

This is whats in mine...
teddy bear
bangles
hair clips
flower clip
ballet stockings
japanese fan
chocolate heart shaped tin
3D glasses
pencil
postcard
knickers (lol)
pen
band aids
wet wipes
moisturiser

not sure if all is suitable to send..(like the moisturiser) the clothing is all new I'm not sending old stuff

Click to expand...

That sounds great! Here is a list of things they would not like people to put in their boxes. (Operation Christmas)

DO NOT INCLUDE: Used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives or military figures; chocolate or food; out-of-date candy; liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snow globes or glass containers; aerosol cans.

OCC includes a gospel tract for each child. You don't need to worry that the child will not be receiving that Focus on putting in the approved items from the OCC list. Make sure all your items adhere to the list!

Look in your local christian bookstore and see if they have anything - they usually have stuff for children like collectors cards, pencils, keyrings, pebbles with verses on them, stickers etc.
They will also have little pocket tracts, as said before chick tracts are great, you can order them online. Which reminds me I need to get some more.

I hid them inside children's books in the library. I saw a few reading them, they were like oh, what's this? I know some people HATE them, but if they hate them, it's doing it's job. Jesus message won't always be accepted by some. However, most children understand the gospel, do not underestimate the power of the word of God.

Last I heard, Messiah is still the most famous person around the world. Maybe get some religious stickers of Him holding a Lamb or little children.

Praying you are led to the right choices.

Solar lights would be nice.

A lot of people know English as a second (or fourth) language, or are trying to learn. But I have also heard the above is true-- that materials are packed in later.

I just found it surreal that in a place that many 4 people a year visit this child had a box

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I went to a country where I was told very few Christians lived, and the young adults raved about getting the shoeboxes every year.

I want to do more shoeboxes..I bought too many shoes lol. Its fun.

well I went and helped today, don't know if OP is still reading this..but no theological items are to be put inside the boxes, so, no tracts or religious stuff..but you CAN write a card and say God bless and you are special etc.
They give out gospel tracts and bible related booklets to children who want them but they are not put inside the boxes themselves.

Good gifts to put inside -
bouncy balls (no liquid filled ones)
whistles
notepad and pens
coloured pencils/crayons/felts
pencil case
bags
new clothing/cap
homemade items - knitted or sewn
toothbrush (NO toothpaste or liquids)
nice soap
pictures of you or homemade cards
jandals
socks
hair ties
cuddly toy

there seem to be more boxes for girls than boys. I think the ones that have the personal touch are nice. Pray all the boxes reach the recipients and God knows exactly which one is right for each child!
Thanks OP for alerting me to this ministry..it's just my thing, and when I looked up the site it's even in my area, few minutes drive. A container load of shoeboxes is leaving for Thailand. Merry christmas everyone!!!

oh you know whats really cool
xylophone...or little harp/uke. if you can fit it inside a shoebox.