Bringing Joy and Hope: Operation Christmas Child Workshop Unites Norfolk Churches
In a heartwarming gathering at St. George’s Church in Norwich, volunteers from churches across Norfolk came together for a special training workshop dedicated to Operation Christmas Child (OCC). This initiative, run by the Christian charity Samaritan’s Purse, brings Christmas joy to children worldwide through lovingly packed shoeboxes filled with gifts. Mark and Debra Watkins, who serve as Church Relations and Community team members for OCC, organized the event to equip church representatives with updated information and renewed inspiration to take back to their congregations. “In the last three years, since volunteering in our roles, we have been fortunate to build up relationships with many churches across Norfolk,” Mark explained. The workshop’s primary goal was to encourage continued commitment to this meaningful cause that brings both tangible gifts and the Gospel message to children in need around the globe.
The three-hour workshop welcomed participants from near and far, including Tracy, the newest member of the Watkins’ team, who has committed to praying for all aspects of the OCC ministry. Perhaps the most moving presence at the gathering was Cynthia, who traveled from Milton Keynes with her husband Moses specifically to share her powerful testimony. Over two decades ago, Cynthia was a young girl in Central Asia who received one of these shoeboxes herself. That single act of kindness made such an impact on her life that she now dedicates herself to ensuring other children can experience the same joy and hope. Her story brings the mission full circle, demonstrating the lasting impact these simple gifts can have. Cynthia recalled asking her mother at age six, “Why would someone do this for me?” Her mother’s response was profoundly simple: “So you know that God loves you.”
This personal testimony highlights the deeper purpose behind Operation Christmas Child. While the shoeboxes contain practical items and toys, they deliver something far more valuable – a tangible expression of God’s love to children who may have never received a gift before. As Mark reflected, Cynthia’s story reminded him of a song with the ending, “the thing I love the best is to know that God loves me.” This sentiment captures the heart of the initiative – using simple gifts to convey an eternal message of love and hope. The workshop provided practical guidance on packing appropriate items, following customs regulations, and organizing collection points, but these logistics serve the greater purpose of touching young lives around the world with kindness and spiritual encouragement.
Debra Watkins emphasized the spiritual dimension of the project, encouraging participants: “Please, if you fill a shoebox and pray for it, do not underestimate what God does with that prayer and shoebox. We see and hear regularly the positive impact this makes, thank you.” This reminder speaks to the faith element that distinguishes Operation Christmas Child from other gift-giving programs. Each shoebox represents not just the items inside but also the prayers and good wishes of the sender. Many participants shared stories of how their congregations have embraced the project, making it an annual tradition that brings their church communities together. Some churches hold packing parties, while others collect items throughout the year. These varied approaches all contribute to the same mission of reaching children globally with gifts that communicate care and compassion.
The workshop also addressed practical considerations that help make the program successful. Volunteers learned about the most needed items for different age groups, how to properly secure the boxes, and important deadlines for the Christmas season. Participants exchanged ideas about how to engage more people from their churches and communities, including strategies for involving children in the process so they can learn about giving to others less fortunate. Some shared creative fundraising approaches to cover shipping costs, while others discussed how to effectively communicate the impact of the project using resources provided by Samaritan’s Purse. This exchange of best practices strengthened the network of dedicated volunteers across Norfolk who serve as the backbone of the Operation Christmas Child effort in the region.
As the workshop concluded, Mark expressed gratitude to Network Norfolk for attending and helping share good news across the county, as well as to all the attendees who took time from their busy schedules to participate. The gathering represented more than just a training session – it was a celebration of compassion in action and a recommitment to a cause that bridges cultures and distances with simple expressions of love. For those interested in getting involved, Mark and Debra Watkins welcome inquiries from churches, schools, groups, or businesses throughout Norfolk. Their email, [email protected], serves as a portal through which more hands and hearts can join this global mission of bringing Christmas joy to children one shoebox at a time. As participants departed, they carried with them not just information but renewed enthusiasm for a project that transforms both the recipients and the givers through acts of generosity and kindness.
