In the heart of Englewood, Colorado, a lively atmosphere buzzes at the Rocky Mountain Ministry Center. It is a place where compassion and hope intertwine, transforming the lives of children across the globe. It’s not just a hub; it’s the beating heart of Operation Christmas Child (OCC), a project born out of a desire to share the love of Jesus with kids in need. This year, as Christmas approaches, a sense of urgency hangs in the air, for families around the world are anxiously waiting for their shoe boxes filled with gifts.
Amidst the flurry of activity, volunteers stream in, all wearing warm smiles and the same mission in their hearts. Every person knows that what they are doing transcends mere packing; they are creating moments of joy for children who may have never received a gift before. “Each box is a messenger of hope,” shares local volunteer Laura Post, as she assembles items into a colorful container. The spirit of community is palpable; it feels like the essence of Christmas wrapped in love.
Operation Christmas Child, a ministry of Samaritan’s Purse, has been operational for over two decades, delivering joy and the message of Jesus to millions of children. This year alone, more than ten million boxes will be shipped worldwide. Locally, the Rocky Mountain Ministry Center functions as one of the 15 processing centers where individuals can come together to pack their boxes and prepare them for distribution. Each shoe box tells a story, not just of items, but of faith and resilience.
It’s November, the crunch of leaves underfoot mingling with cheerful laughter as families from diverse backgrounds gather together. They come equipped with age-appropriate toys, school supplies, and hygiene items, knowing that their small efforts can make a monumental difference. Volunteers sort and check the boxes before they are sealed. A set of joy-filled eyes accompanies each packed box—one box at a time, they breathe in hope, knowing the impact of their effort.
But hope shows up in different ways too. The ministry doesn’t stop with distribution. It continues through "The Greatest Journey," a follow-up discipleship program for children who receive a gift box. "We want to ensure that the physical gifts lead to spiritual gifts," explains Greg Stimson, the center’s director, highlighting that this isn’t just about the contents of a box, but about planting seeds of faith in every child. In 2022 alone, over 1.2 million children participated in this program, allowing them to learn about God's love in an engaging way.
The atmosphere isn’t without challenges. As many of the volunteer staff members prepare for the potential of a record-setting year, they also know the realities of the struggles many face, both locally and globally. Franklin Graham, the president of Samaritan’s Purse, often reminds all involved that “helping the least of these” is not merely a task—it is a calling resonating deep within the soul of every believer (Matthew 25:40).
As the sun begins to dip low on the horizon, the spirit of teamwork continues to shine. Laughter echoes, along with murmurs of stories exchanged among strangers who quickly become friends. Children’s shoes, school supplies, and cuddly toys are arranged carefully in rows, dancing in the golden afternoon light. Each box unites different walks of life, bathed in the shared belief that no act of kindness is ever wasted.
As the operational month of December looms ahead, the ministry anticipates the joyful connection that will cross boundaries and speak to hearts. For those involved in Operation Christmas Child, it’s not just about packing gifts; it’s about igniting hope, fostering connections, and ultimately demonstrating the powerful love of Jesus. With every box shipped, the mission remains the same: to share love and light in a world that desperately needs it. Each filled container emerges with a promise—one of joy, hope, and the immeasurable blessings of faith.
And so, as the last of the boxes sail into the sunset, leaving the Rocky Mountain Ministry Center for different corners of the world, one thought lingers—the journey of love, hope, and faith continues beyond the holiday season, buoyed by the simple act of giving.
