Sara’s Operation Christmas Child International Vision Trip

Dear family and friends,

As many of you know, I am passionate about Operation Christmas Child and dedicated to serving for OCC.

This year, I am getting the opportunity to travel to Cluj, Romania in May to participate in an Operation Christmas Child vision trip. I will have the opportunity to visit churches and schools to observe how God is using trained Ministry Partners to share the Gospel message, utilizing OCC shoebox gifts and discipleship materials. The trip schedule includes five outreach events, where shoebox gifts will be distributed to children, and one The Greatest Journey program, as well as presentations and training sessions.

Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan's Purse, a non-denominational evangelical Christian organization, providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world. The mission of OCC is to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world. Through this project, Samaritan's Purse partners with local churches worldwide to share the Good News of Jesus Christ and make disciples of the nations.

I have served as a year-round OCC volunteer for four years. This year, I am going on my third year as Area Coordinator volunteer. I serve as a year-round volunteer, engaging with others to become volunteers, as well as to coordinate the collection of shoeboxes throughout Iredell County. By participating in this OCC vision trip, I will be able to experience first-hand the joy that shoebox gifts bring to children, paired with the eternal hope of the Gospel message presented in a culturally appropriate manner by local Ministry Partners. I will see the long-term impact of the ministry through The Greatest Journey, OCC’s 12-lesson discipleship course, as I have a chance to see children attending lessons or a graduation celebration. I intend to use this experience to deepen my volunteer role with OCC to provide more Gospel opportunities for children and return with the testimony of how God is working in Cluj, Romania.

The cost of this trip covers domestic and international airfare, lodging, meals, and ground transportation. Since I am reimbursing Samaritan's Purse for these costs, contributions towards this trip are not eligible for tax-deductible receipts. If you are able to support my journey to Cluj, Romania, I would be very grateful.

All contributions should be given directly to me, as I am responsible for making a final payment to Samaritan's Purse. If you have any questions about contributions for this trip, I encourage you to contact the OCC Vision Trips team at [email redacted] for more information about this trip.

This will be a faith-stretching experience to rely on God by stepping out into the unknown, allowing Christ to work through me. Would you join me in asking God to show me exactly how to deepen my role with OCC for the sake of the Gospel?

Blessings,

Sara