Norfolk's key role in 240k shoebox gifts in 2023
Operation Christmas Child Norfolk colleagues Debra and Mark Watkins have thanked churches and groups across the county for their help in providing almost 240,000 shoebox gifts to children across the world in 2023.
Operation Christmas Child has been collecting and delivering shoebox gifts - filled with school supplies, hygiene items and fun toys - to children worldwide for three decades. Since 1990, the project has collected and delivered more than 200 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 160 countries and territories.
In 2023 it delivered 237,735 shoebox gifts thanks to thousands of supporters of the Samaritan's Purse initiative across the UK.
Norfolk Church and Community Relations Team Members, Debra and Mark, increased their involvement last year by ending or reducing long careers in social work and nursing.
“As you finish in professions that have played such a big part in our lives, you do wonder what next and can have a sense, as you mature in age, can God still use me?,” said Mark. “The answer to that is simply, yes. We have been blessed to come part of the Samaritans Purse family and have been greatly impressed how loving; supportive and prayerful this Christian ministry is.
“We have had the role of supporting those who partner with Operation Christmas Child in Norfolk, aiming to give support to churches; schools; collection centres that shoeboxes are dropped off at during National Collection Week; speaking at churches and other settings to help develop this ministry.
“We have been greatly encouraged by meeting many supporters and seeing how committed they are to showing love to children in need of hope, by the sending of prayers and a shoebox.
“We would like to acknowledge that Servants Church in Norwich and Beacon Community Church in Bacton. Both have become new Church Collection Centres, in 2023. During the week in late November, both Churches kept their doors open with a welcome to anyone who dropped off a shoebox.
“We are very grateful to Brundall Hardware and Pet store and Revelation Christian Resource Centre, in their support,” said Mark. “Thanks also goes to the Catholic Ignite Youth team, who took 30 plus shoeboxes to Coventry following from the Rise up event, on November 11 at St John’s Cathedral in Norwich.”
“Today we are celebrating the 237,735 shoebox gifts donated across the UK, giving the local church in the receiving countries 237,735 gospel opportunities to share the love of Jesus” said Trish Ellse, Regional Manager for the East of England. “Every person who has donated is part of The Great Commission and the impact that a shoebox will have on the child’s life, thank you!”
Debra and Mark got the chance to visit and help out at the new Samaritan’s Purse International, UK Ministry Centre, in Coventry, when shoeboxes are processed. “It was really encouraging for us to be part of praying with others as one batch of 9,000 boxes was loaded and sent off in a truck,” said Mark.
Those interested in more information on Operation Christmas Child in Norfolk for your church, school, group, or business can contact Mark and Debra, who are keen to build this ministry in Norfolk and would be delighted to come and pray and talk with you. Contact them at markdebrawatkinsocc@yahoo.com
Visit: www.samaritans-purse.org.uk
Pictured above are Debra and Mark Watkins at the Operation Christmas Child processing centre in Coventry.