“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.” – Luke 6:38
When we show the Operation Christmas Child videos in church, there’s always one or two that talk about someone who included a letter in their shoebox and heard back from the child that received it. I’ve always thought how cool that would be, but I also knew that it wasn’t likely to happen to everyone, especially with the number of shoeboxes OCC sends out each year. Nonetheless, each year I have packed a shoebox, I have also included a short letter inside about myself. When I’ve talked to the kids about packing shoeboxes, I’ve encouraged them to include a letter too. I know that many of the children that receive these boxes more than likely don’t have access to or funds to send mail overseas, but at least a letter shows them that someone cares about and is praying for them. Like I said, I’ve always heard stories about people that got letters, but never have gotten one in return. Until today.
This afternoon, a special envelope came in the mail addressed to “Miss Allison.” I looked at the stamps and immediately knew it was an international piece of mail, but thought it was from a missionary that the church kids had written during missions time. When I turned to the back and saw “Cameroon,” I knew immediately that it was from the child who had received my shoebox. Thanks to OCC’s EZ-Give online, I received an email back in December that told me where in the world my shoebox went. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would ever hear back from her.
I opened the folded up letter and read the precious words of a child from the other side of the world. I share sweet Nelly Nama’s letter with you (translated from French into English):
Dear friend,
Merry Christmas! It has been a pleasure for me to read your letter, I really and a great honor in knowing you. It was with a lot of care and attention that I have listened to your advices, because the Bible says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
I am 11 years of age, speaking in French language. I live in Cameroon, I have 3 sisters and 2 brothers and my mom. My dad is deceased. I'd like to be a teacher later as you.
The Lord bless you!
HOW COOL IS THAT?!?!
Jesus was right when he said, “Give and it will be given to you...” I love how The Message puts it, “Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity.” (Luke 6:38 MSG). This sweet note is definitely a huge “bonus and blessing!” :)
I urge you that if you haven’t ever put a note in your shoebox…do so! Who knows, maybe you’ll hear back from them!? Let that precious child know that they are loved, prayed for, and valued by someone half a world away. Your gift inspires them to be interested in and learn more about Jesus because the Gospel is shared with them right before they receive their shoebox.
Also, I ask that you join me in praying for sweet Nelly Nama…that she comes to know Jesus if she hasn’t already, that she is able to serve and trust Him, and that she grows to become a beautiful woman of God.
To find out more about OCC work in Cameroon, check out this link: http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/cameroon/
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