Farewell Shoe Box Covering

Click the photo for a larger view

After 5 years of covering shoe boxes the group from Wesley Uniting Church had their final box covering session earlier this month. However do not despair we believe the group may reconvene at a different location next year … watch this space.

I would like to thank Shirley and Alan Crapp, Herb Heath and Jeff Karms who have been the stalwarts of the group from the very beginning. We estimate we would have covered in excess of 8,000 boxes during that time. Thanks also to all those who joined us over the years whether for one visit or many, it has been a wonderful time and, of course, we can always catch up at processing!!

Shoe Boxes in the ACT Legislative Assembly

The Canberra Launch replicated the success of the Wagga Wagga launch. We called on the services of our youngest Member of the Legislative Assembly to launch OCC. Alistair Coe, Member for Ginninderra did a fantastic job of pointing out the reason that OCC stands out above many charities.

• It is personal and tangible in days when we are often in “charity overload”
• The opportunity to give children hope through the gospel message
• The flow on effects with others sharing in the box and all it has to offer
• The idea that anyone can be involved
• The opportunity for Samaritan’s Purse to use the shoe box as a means of observing and meeting other needs such as clean water, HIV/AIDS education, building schools and vocational training
• The shoe box can be used by Pastors and Ministers in the receiving countries to do the work that God has called them to do when often they have no resources at all.

Alistair’s family have been participating since it’s inception in Canberra and he commended the work to all present and has taken it one step further and is introducing OCC to the ACT Legislative Assembly!!

Coming next: Box covering

Wagga Wagga Launch

RC Carol Gordon and Mayor Kerry Pascoe

Mayor Kerry Pascoe presented the first shoe box from the Wagga Wagga community to Carol Gordon, Regional Co-ordinator.  The Mayor who knew very little about OCC before the Saturday morning was quickly briefed by one of the young women at the launch.  He commended the project to the people of Wagga Wagga. 

Carol organized a massive media contingent and there were articles on radio, in two newspapers (before and after the event) and on local television.  Well done Carol.

The St Alban’s Church Hall was packed to capacity, every chair used and the doors to the church opened to allow more people to attend.  The buzz in the air was exciting and the support of Carol’s Minister, Mal Dunnet was excellent.  He was heard to say “20,000 shoe boxes for Wagga Wagga” – perhaps not this year but … watch out Wagga!!

"Launch Season" is well underway

It is exciting to see that a number of areas are having community meetings to get OCC off the ground for 2009.  There is nothing better than getting like-minded people together to encourage each other, share ideas and get inspired for the year ahead.

 

All the new brochures and posters are here, the pre-printed shoe boxes are walking out the door and people are grateful to make a donation of 50 cents for each box rather than having to cover their own.  The DVD will be here around mid July.  Meanwhile the DVD of Lejla Allison’s testimony about receiving a shoe box at the age of 11 in war torn Bosnia is impacting everyone who watches it.  The “happy ending” of Lejla being able to return to her homeland to distribute OCC shoe boxes is a testimony to God’s grace. 

So far Cootamundra, Wagga Wagga, Canberra, Tumut and Cowra have had community meetings and Grenfell and Griffith are coming up.

Coming Next: Wagga Wagga Launch

Regional Co-ordinators Conference

What a wonderful day and half we had at St Clement’s retreat and conference centre in Galong sharing with God and each other about the great things He had done in 2008 and the wonderful things He has in store for each of us and His ministry in 2009.

There were 32 Regional Co-ordinators and Prayer Co-ordinators and there was much laughter, a few tears, beautiful worship, praying and information sharing. And of course, we could not forget great food and … chocolate!!

The new CONNECT volunteer program was launched and we are excited to begin putting some basic principles into practice during the year.

Pictured are some of our new volunteers, Gaynor laying claim to being the newest as she agreed to become Prayer Co-ordinator for Queanbeyan having been at the conference for 10 minutes.  Either she listened to God or we were really, really nice to her!!!

For all of you who wonder who cuts, overlocks, sews, matches buttons, threads elastic, etc.  This is THE Pat Wood, RC Belconnen and head of the sewing group at St Paul’s Anglican Church, Ginninderra

Beryl, RC Cowra, Narelle, PC Cowra, Helen RC Grenfell, Christine, RC Woden, Elaine, RC Cootamundra

Elaine (RC) and Juliana (new PC)

Carina Ex-RC, Yass and Michelle, new RC Yass

Gaynor Elder, new PC Queanbeyan

Coming next:  Not sure – Ann is on holidays for three weeks visiting her beautiful and talented blog writing daughter (he he) and her even more beautiful Granddaugher.  She can be contacted by email.

Farewell Vietnam

Now that I have given you a brief overview of Operation Christmas Child and some Samaritan’s Purse projects in Vietnam, I will leave you with a few memorable photos.  As you will see they are memorable for a number of reasons!!

Friendship grown from shoe boxes

A Sunset over Lai Chau Provence

The lei from the shoe box matched her outfit!

Guess who's still got it?

The infamous McDonalds green cars

A t-shirt for Dad included in the box, this person had thought of everything!

Another green McDonalds car

Coming Next:  Regional Co-ordinator’s Conference

Nguyen Van To Blind School

Back in Hanoi we were led through the back streets of Hanoi into what looked like a large home to find we were being entertained to afternoon tea by the Director of the Nguyen Van To Blind School, a project Samaritan’s Purse has been supporting for many years.

We were introduced to eight “star” students whose accomplishments ranged from being top academic students to gold medal receivers in the recent Asia Pacific Games.  The school and students were obviously very proud of their achievements.  However, nothing could prepare us for the concert provided by the students as they sang and played musical instruments. There was much giggling in preparation and thunderous applause at the finale.  Of course we could not resist giving a little impromptu performance but I don’t think our musical talents matched those of our hosts.

The school uses Perkins Brailler machines which cost $1000US each.  The students share because there are not enough to go around.

Coming Next:  Farewell Vietnam