First Baptist Church San Diego preparing for

First Baptist Church started to collect items as part of their support for Operation Christmas Child. (Photo taken by Ibrahim from Pexels.com)

The First Baptist Church of San Diego announced that they are preparing for Operation Christmas Child.

According to the church’s website, this initiative is a church’s donation drive to give out things to children.

Operation Christmas Child

Operation Christmas Child is a Samaritan's Purse project posted on the church’s mission page. As further explained, this mission is to show God’s love to vulnerable children worldwide. Also, they noted that Samaritan’s Purse works with local churches worldwide to share the Gospel and make people Jesus' followers.

The website noted that First Baptist Church had been part of the project for many years. Members have been involved in packing parties over the years. They indicated that they pack shoe boxes full of toys or gifts for children.

Helping in Jesus' Name

The Samaritan’s Purse website revealed that it is a nondenominational Christian organization. They stressed that their mission focuses on evangelizing others by giving vulnerable individuals spiritual and physical help.

The group also emphasized that they do these initiatives to proclaim God’s love through Jesus Christ. As posted on the website, Samaritan's Purse serves the Church in all nations to declare the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

According to the website, since 1970, the organization has helped society. They have assisted those who are war victims or belong to the poor. The organization has been present during natural disasters and famine.

Suggested Items

The First Baptist Church suggested items to donate to the children. The church's lists posted that members could give things for hygiene. They could put bar soap, soap holders, and towels in a shoebox, as mentioned on the website.

According to the church, the congregation could also provide toothbrushes, combs, tissues, etc. As for students, the church suggested school supplies. They could give pencils, pens, notebooks, and more, as stated on the list.

Besides, they are also asking for clothes and toys for the kids.

Unrecommended Items

On the other hand, the church does not recommend members donate toothpaste or any kind of food, the same website posted.

Also, the church suggested that members who wish to give should not provide medicine or vitamins. They noted that it is better not to give war-related toys such as toy guns, military items, etc.

The website also said the church does not accept any used or broken items. They mentioned that things that are easily broken are not allowed. Some breakable items include snow globes, glass containers, and mirrors.

First Baptist Church also does not advise its members to give Aerosol cans.

More Reminders

Additionally, the church reminds its members to buy things that would only fit into a shoebox. They asked them to disregard the packaging if possible. As further explained, the congregation should use rubber bands to keep the shoe boxes closed.

The website explained that all items donated would be checked through customs. The church said that Customs are rigorous in checking those items.

More importantly, First Baptist Church asked its members to pray over each prepared box. The church believes this effort could create opportunities for sharing the Gospel with children, their families, and friends.