Christmas represents the birth of Christianity! Christianity is love for each other-Care for each other-Sharing- all of the things that are represented in the giving of these gifts. I have supplied the transport for these gift boxes on several occasions, moving them to the Airport in Liverpool. Why, because I saw these children receiving the boxes, saw their joy at receiving very simple things, a pair of gloves, a wooly hat, a toy car or a doll. Their joy and happiness at this was so evedent that I, and my drivers where touched to tears.
I have witnessed the joy and satisfaction that my own children have experienced in preparing and giving these boxes. my eldest is now 34 years old and my youngest 25 years old. My youngest child is a man- he is in the process of filling five boxes for this years operation. I can feel the love that my children put into these boxes, a love that I am sure is felt by the child unpacking it.
So is it a crime that these children are being introduced to this christianity? Learning a little about -Loving thy Neighbour-learning that in a harsh world that kindness can prevail!
Maybe it is not totally etthical for this to be used as an evangelical mission- but I for one, would rather see these children reading "The Way of the Cross" rather than " 101 ways to build a bomb"
Remember also that it is the children that profit from this, both our children and the recipient children.
There are no large commissions being made, no ridiculously high salarires being paid, no luxurious offices being kept and furnished. You know as well as I do that many of the so called major charities and agencies spend a greater proportion of their revenue on these things than they use for the purpose that the donations where made.
The critics, are they Christians? or do they just call themselves that. Non Christian critics, are you just jealous and a bit annoyed that you didn't think of this first.
I say, Operation Christmas Child, carry on, keep the smiles on childrens faces and continue to show that loves is the one prevailing thing that may save our society's.
If people really want to give feel-good shoeboxes instead of helping provide sustainable aid, then there are shoebox appeals (21st Century Child, some Rotary Clubs) which do not tell children they are "sinners" who have "done bad things" and will be "saved" if they repent and confess that Jesus is Lord.
Yes, I do think it's a crime to take advantage of young, vulnerable children, giving them someone else's presents while telling them that they need to be cleansed of their sins. Please look beyond your own joy and satisfaction and try to see some of the indecency and shame in this.
If you believe that giving a child a bible is taking advantage of them, then you must think that any parent who tries to teach their child religion, is imoral. Whether christian, hindu, muslim or any other religion, parents pass their religion on to their children and for the most part they believe it because they don't know any better. Operation Christmas Child does not use the opportunity to tell children they are bad and need to repent, they use the opportunity to tell these children, no to tell these people, that there is someone out there who loves them! They don't say "here you can have these presents but only if you become a christian." They just want these kids to know that Jesus loves them! Also, OCC does not pretend to be anything it is not. If you look at their website and flyers, it is made very clear that this is a ministry oriented program. If you do not feel comfortable supporting it that is fine but don't critisize those who do.
I am glad that you said all that! Christmas is about the birth of Jesus. That is what Christmas is all about. We give gifts to represent the gift that God gave to us, his son. I am proud to give, my children are proud to give and we are proud to give in the name of Jesus. Just in case you are wondering, No, we are not zealots nor church-goers.
