Recently, the Chairman of our National Executive Board, Grover Duling, had the honor and privilege of being invited by Samaritan’s Purse, Operation Christmas Child, to participate in a shoe box distribution for 200 children in the Dominican Republic. Grover stated in no uncertain terms that it was one of the highlights of his life. Our partnership with Samaritan’s Purse has continued to deepen with groups responding to disaster relief, large groups traveling to multiple locations to pack shoeboxes, and the continuation of financial support to needs around the world. All of these things and more prompted this coveted invitation.
What stood out to Grover was the emphasis on Jesus’ message. Before they received the gifts, the children were told all of these gifts were from Jesus. That people back in the United States had packed them, but they were from Jesus.
Grover was on one of four teams. Each team went to four locations. One location his team went to was a training center where children who had already received gifts two weeks earlier were now going through the Greatest Journey discipleship program. He was impressed at how well organized it all was. Before any gifts were given out, the message of Jesus and salvation was shared with the children.
When it was time to give out the gifts, the children were asked to sit with their heads bowed and eyes closed and put their arms out on their laps. A team member would then come around and lay a package in their arms. They were not allowed to open them until all the children had received a package.
After the gifts were given out, it was a celebration of Jesus’ love and goodness to them. The children laughed and played and thanked Jesus for his blessing. Grover had to help one little girl figure out how to wear her new sunglasses. They sang, they played, and they praised God for His Love. Could there be a better day in the life of a believer and a servant of God?
They then traveled to where 30 other children were being discipled in the Greatest Journey program. During this 12-week program, the children play games, sing, and learn what it means to receive Christ as savior. Who He is, what He did, and why He did it. Teachers receive special training to take students through this program, and it has such an impact on their lives that often entire families end up becoming Christians as a result of them taking what they learn home to their families. Even children who don’t make it into the program curiously listened through the window to hear about this amazing story.
It is exciting for CBC to be a part of such an amazing ministry, one that is changing the lives of so many people across the world. Maybe you and your church have been a part of this ministry. Grover can testify that you are making an eternal difference in the lives around the world. Glory to God!!
Submitted by Craig Howard – Publications Committee
