Operation Christmas Child

To all those who have put together a shoebox for a child half way around the world...
Just wanted you to see some of the results of your efforts. I tried to scan the document, but I'm not sure you will be able to read it so I will type it out below:

I testify that Operation Christmas Child has brought in the missionary work that we undertake to Okolassi.

Since February 2009 the Lord directed us to start an Okolassi missionary work in this village in Gabon, lost in the tradition and initiatory practices.

In the beginning, we have encountered difficulties with people who never reply to our invitations. But perseverant in prayer, we managed to have some 5 to 7 pople and a few children who came on Sundays.

One day, the Committee Operation Christmas Child has contacted us so that we send them a list of children for gifts distribution. We addressed the children and parents to come on Sunday 10 May for this event and many came, we had so far more children than planned gifts, but we just gave to those who had been listed.

After this initial distribution, the following Sunday we had more children we have grown from 39 children to 100 children up to the second distribution May 30 and that until today.

Today we have 3 classes in the Sunday school Okolassi church, 25 to 40 children per class and we know that this operation greatly contributed to the evangelization of children and even parents come. We had a fieldthat has been offered by a parent of children who prays with us now. This land has been offered for the construction of the church because previously we had a prayer cell.

During the distribution of gifts, we also had the testimony of the Chief of the village who said that, he was initially wary when we started to pray on Sundays but now he realizes that God is doing for their children, so he will come to church.

We are very pleased that Operation Chrismas Child has done in this village, especially to small children as God gives us a young church consisting of the children, he wants to shape, transform, and grow them in his presence.

Some of the children from the church enjoying the jump ropes Marley (an intern) brought for them. Notice the large stump to the right of the kid in blue; when he said "a field" in the letter he must of meant land.

How many of your 4 year olds swing a pick ax? They are taught early to join in on the work and the kids really contributed to the building of their church.

Seraphin, one of the kids that came everytime and helped! Please pray for him... I know God has big plans for him!

Okay thought it would be a good idea to snap a photo while swinging the jumping rope... yes their are four kids jumping! This wasn't their first rodeo!

Can you say cool?? Way neat experience to be part of the results of one of those boxes we put together!!