Operation Christmas Child is an opportunity for the church to fill shoe boxes with gifts (school supplies, toys, hygiene products) for children across the world. These shoe boxes are delivered to local churches in remote areas around the world, who then present an opportunity for each child to hear the Gospel and participate in a 12 lesson program where they can learn that Jesus loves them, hear the Gospel and receive a Bible in their own language. At Emmanuel, we love participating in this program and we also open our doors as a drop-off location for others in our community to bring their boxes. 

Even though the OCC collection season is limited to the fall, the ministry continues year round. This is where the Connect volunteers come into play. There are three main Connect roles: 

 + Church Relations – We are looking for someone to support the Church Relations Team leader in engaging, supporting and encouraging other local churches and to invite them to participate in OCC.

+ Community Relations – We are looking for someone to support the Community Relations team leader in engaging and supporting the community groups as well as encouraging them to participate and contribute to OCC.

+ Prayer Team Member – We are looking for many individuals to join our Prayer Team. Under the leadership of the Prayer Team lead the team consistently prays for specific needs of the OCC ministry in delivering the shoeboxes successfully, the teams involved and most importantly the children who will receive the shoeboxes. 

Commitment: A few hours a month year round, and 4-5 hours a week during the collection season (Oct – Nov)