Outreach for November - Operation Christmas Child


Samaritan's Purse is an organization that helps children around the world. 
http://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/
Each Christmas they offer an opportunity to pack a small shoebox with items to be delivered to children around the world.  These items arrive around Christmas and bring excitement as well as the good news of Jesus. The gospel is included in each box written in the child's own language. 

How to Pack A Box
For how to pack a shoebox and suggested items follow this link.  http://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/pack-a-shoe-box/

Drop off of Box
You must pack your boxes and bring them to a drop off location during the week of November 18-25.  Call 1-800-353-5949 of look up http://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/drop-off-locations/#map_top for drop off locations near you.  Boxes can also be mailed to Samaritan's Purse. 

In Katy there are not any close drop-off stations, but Lifeway is offering to be a drop-off station for one day. On November 16, you can even fill your boxes at Lifeway or just drop off the ones you already made. Look here for more details    http://www.lifeway.com/Article/Samaritans-Purse-Operation-Christmas-Child-Shoe-Box-Collection-Day  There is a Lifeway at the northwest corner of Fry and I-10 for anyone close to that area. 

October Outreach

 
Halloween quickly approaches and it is a great night to reach out to others.  This is the only night a year that lots of strangers come to your door.  You don't have to go to them; they come to you.  So I believe you should use it! Some great things to do on Halloween

1. Put some lawn chairs in your front yard.  Sit there and enjoy the evening.  Hand out candy, small toys, goldfish crackers or whatever you want to people that come by.  Meet your neighbors.  Be friendly.  This is  a great way to make new friends.

2.  Put some lawn chairs in your front yard.  Sit there and enjoy the evening.  Hand out fun stuff to people that come by.  We usually dress up and let our kids dress up too.  We also hand out a card telling about what it means to be a Christian or an invitation to join the children's department at a local church.  Other years we printed little labels with the local Christian radio station on them and attached them to the candy.  Make sure you give out good stuff though. We get to have fun and share a little about what we believe with our neighbors.

3.If you want to go a little bigger, Add some activities.  This may be considered a block party.  Provide hotdogs, drinks, chips and a few little games on your driveway or in your front yard.  Invites some friends over to help.  You can still hand out your cards telling about what it means to be a Christian.  Be friendly.  Enjoy the neighbors and the opportunity.