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Samaritan's Purse |
Wideo... Distribution takes place at a time that perhaps best symbolises God's love - at Christmas time. God's love for people is the greatest gift this ministry brings. Those whose have witnessed its effect or experienced the receipt of a parcel are determined to see this ministry continue. We join with the world ministry called "Operation Christmas Child" run by the international organisation "Samaritan's Purse". In some of the richer countries private individuals prepare presents in shoeboxes for poor children in other parts of the world. Our country of Poland is one of around 90 to whom boxes are sent - and they come from Germany, England and the U.S.A. This ministry has been running in Poland since around the year 2000. Chirstmas present now find their way to around 400 000 polish children right acorss the country from Bieszczad to Mazury, Kotlinę Kłodzką and Pomorze. Behind the ministry stands a huge "army" of volunteers who not only work on Operation Christmas Child, but also have built up a community of understanding people who can reach across the country to the poorest of the poor. The recent political changes in Poland and in particular the entrance of Poland to the European Union, have seen many richer countries concentrate their giving to the 'third world' and reduce the giving to Poland. The volunteers had a new question to answer - how to continue to give to the poorest children when the giving from western countries reduced? That same year Poles decided to start preparing their own boxes to add to those coming from abroad! It was a great first step - but just a drop in the ocean of the needs. As christmas approaches each year its another occasion for us with open hearts, full of joy, to bring that joy to the poor child of this country.
Not only presents
We aim not only to give shoeboxes and present to poor children - but to give a lot more: Practical help, financial aid, warm clothing and footwear, food for the winter period. These are people whom often have nothing - and a small gift goes a long way to changing peoples' lives. We ask you to consider giving finacially to this fruitful and meaningful ministry. Every small gift makes a difference. Contact us for more details. Our volunteers say: "Its overwhelming to see these poor children opening the shoeboxes. Their smile says it all. They begin to believe that in this world where poverty and wealth sit side by side, that there are people with open, caring hearts, and who will extend a friendly hand towards them - and that hand is not empty..." "...In one family we visited a 3-year old boy open his box and pulled out a pair of winter boots. They went on his feet immediately! His mother was in tear (of joy) as is old boots were already too small and worn through. For many weeks the child just wore the boots - not wanting to go anywhere!" ".. In one family, an 11-year old boy got a small radio in his shoebox present. He'd often asked his mother for a small radio but always got the same answer: "My Child, I don;t even have enough for bread - and you ask for a radio!" His dreams had been fulfilled..."
This ministry needs your support to continue - not just boxes and contents but also finanical giving. We aim to provide not only shoeboxes but also, while visiting the poor, provide practical help where neede - giving them winter clothing, boots or food-stuffs for the Christmas/Winter period. Please continue to give. Thank you!
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