Have you noticed our 2015 version of the holiday Give & Go? From inserts in the Watermark News to the expansive Give & Go Booth in the lobby, it'd be hard to miss the hubbub... so we hope you and your community group have already planned ways to jump in.
One area we're participating in for another year is Operation Christmas Child. Our members get to create shoebox-gifts for kids all over the world!
But whenever we serve - especially when we're just giving material resources - it's important to look for ways to go deeper. So if you're one of the hundreds of Watermark individuals or families who are participating in OCC this year, we encourage you to read through this guide, share it with others, and make the most of an awesome opportunity!
You may be wondering why Watermark has chosen to serve with OCC. In fact, it might even seem unwise - we've written before on the dangers of giving outside the context of relationship. And clearly Watermark members don't know the children who receive these boxes.
But the good news is, OCC has partners who are deeply involved in the communities where the boxes are given. Through these partnerships, these shoeboxes actually help grow churches, connect with families, and begin a discipleship journey with children. The goal isn't to provide a one-time gift; it's to begin a relationship with people that continues into eternity!
Read about our staff's visit to a drop-off site, watch the video below to see the connection, or read the basics of this eternal impact here.
A great place to start is this year's Give & Go site dedicated to all things Operation Christmas Child! Find your campus's OCC page here:
Also, Operation Christmas Child has a fantastic library of videos at their site, and some more on YouTube. You can watch Duck Dynasty's Uncle Si or the Veggietales crew pack shoeboxes, see amazing videos of kids getting their boxes, and learn ways to share the impact with your family or community group.
Whether it's helping collect boxes at Watermark or serving at the OCC Processing Center, you've got great ways to serve beyond just filling a shoebox. Check out your campus link (above) for opportunities and signup!
OCC can be a great way to connect with others in your neighborhood, at your workplace, in your apartment complex, or at your kids' school,. Here are some ideas:
Photo Credit: Samaritan's Purse Operation Christmas Child