1,092 shoeboxes were collected, packed and delivered to Operation Christmas Child in Calgary. This is wonderful. I’m ecstatic. But, knowing that Samaritan’s Purse Canada delivered 664,525 of these boxes in 2016, this delivery, although very unique and special might be considered tiny.
Since inception, Operation Christmas Child has distributed 135 million shoeboxes worldwide. These shoebox gifts are designed to bring a degree of hope to poverty stricken children around the world. Children living in war torn countries receive hygiene items, school supplies, and toys. When appropriate, after the gifts have been distributed, the children are given reading materials translated into 130 different languages coordinated by local churches. (www.samaritanspurse.ca)
That is all awesome. I’m thrilled and very willing to do my part. But, that is not the point of our blog this week.
The point that excites me is that 1,092 Shoe Boxes were collected, sorted, packed and delivered by Raymond Baptist church (Facebook page) with an average Sunday morning attendance of 55. Under the direction of Derra, her crew of volunteers and Pastor Al Litchfield, this church encouraged community volunteers, schools and folk from other churches to work together. The leadership of this church is so dedicated to work with their community and to support the program that over four years they’ve increased their Shoe Box donations by an amazing 300%.
What Leadership lessons can we learn from Pastor Al and his team? Small churches can be healthy, dedicated, committed to a vision and can participate in a world-wide project. A prayerful, committed team can work together with other churches and local businesses for a Heavenly cause. The biggest lesson to me is this: consider the world wide impact if the 30,000 churches in Canada would demonstrate God’s love in a dramatic action like this.
Leadership is … challenging your church to serve your community by demonstrating God’s love and collecting shoeboxes next year.
Yours in Service,
Laurie D. Kennedy
Leadership Coach
Jethro Group
ldkjethrogroup@gmail.com