Opération Enfant de Noël - Suburban Ministry

Christmas in March and April, who would have thunk!?!

It is amazing when you think of how many families and children in the United States and Canada who are praying for children around the world.  I remember when Natalya was little and at Christmas time we would find a shoebox or two, if we had enough money to fill two, and buy some little things like note pads, pencils, erasors, small balls, hats, shorts, soap and toothbrushes to them up.  Then in the beginning of November, we would go to church and put our box with the required shipping fee up on the stage along with the hundreds of others that other children and families had put together. 

It was neat to be a small part of it.  We usually sent a little note, and sometimes a picture to go along with the package in hopes that the child who received our box would know that it was because of Christ Love for him/her and the love we had through Him that they were receiving that gift.

Well, now that we live in Africa, we have been able to be a part of Franklin Graham's program here on the other end.  This year alone, Amet and I have been involved personally in distributing 2,000 boxes to children in the poor areas of the suburbs of our capital Dakar.

We were involved in 6 different distributions in 4 different neighborhoods of Dakar: Guinaw Rails, Djeddah Thiaroye Kao, Pikine and Guediawaye.  This has been a blessing to more than the children.  It has been a blessing to the parents and to the neighborhoods.  Most of these children have never received a present before, and were so excited to find the beautiful little gifts in their bright red and green boxes.  One of the communities that we are working in is very engaged. and took special interest in seeking out the handicapped children in their community.  We were so blessed to be a part of this program.  Thank you Franklin Graham and all those working with him, and thank you to all of you who have given boxes to Samaratin's Purse for Operation Christmas Child.  You have touched many hearts.

"The Largest of All the Gifts"

Each gift comes with a childrens book explaining the The Gift that Jesus gave to each one of us. And that each one of us are invited to accept this gift.

This is quite an event for the children, sharing a bit of hope and love that they never felt before.

"He took a little child and had him stand among them.  Taking him in His arms, He said to them, "Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me, but the one who sent me." Mark 9:36-37 NIV