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27 September 2012

Operation Christmas Child launched by school children

Yesterday the effort to send gift-filled shoeboxes around the world was begun by London primary school children.

The launch of Operation Christmas Child (OCC) in Spitalfields yesterday was attended by Samaritan's Purse president Franklin Graham and a class from Christ Church Primary School.

Together they filled shoeboxes with presents ready to send to children around the world who wouldn't otherwise be receiving anything for Christmas.

They also sent a special present, which Franklin will deliver to a child himself. He promised that: "I will definitely personally deliver this and make sure they write you a note to say thank you.

"I know they will be so blessed by not only this box but the prayer you've sent with this. We have thousands of others around the world who'll be personally delivering more than eight million shoeboxes this year."

This year also marks a milestone, as OCC will be sending their 100 millionth shoebox to a child in the developing world.
 At yesterday's launch Franklin said: "I want to thank everyone in the UK for supporting Operation Christmas Child.

"This year we will reach an historic number that is our 100 millionth shoebox and so we appreciate the prayers you send with these gifts that will be sent in Jesus' name,"

Samaritan's Purse will also be leading a time of prayer at Saturday's National Day of Prayer and Worship taking place at Wembley Stadium.

Samaritan's Purse UK executive director Simon Barrington said: "Each one of these shoeboxes is an opportunity to share God's love and for Churches overseas to point children to Jesus Christ as their saviour at Christmas.Packing Shoeboxes

"Our hope is that those gathered at Wembley will be challenged and inspired to continue to be praying for and acting on behalf of those who are orphaned, living in poverty and disease and victims of trafficking."