The Miracle in the Shoebox

November 6th, 2025
by Mark McAdow

By Pastor Mark McAdow
This Sunday we officially “kick off” our fall international missions and evangelism project. It’s called Operation Christmas Child, founded and supported by Samaritan’s Purse ministry led by Franklin Graham, son to Billy Graham.

My wife, Robin, has taken multiple boxes over the years and filled them with small fun toys, gifts, washcloths, socks, pencils, etc. (She finds the “best sales” throughout the year and keeps items in a box in our home for that purpose). Since we were blessed with three children, she often took three boxes to fill in honor of each of our kids. She also engaged our kids in packing the boxes when they were young, reminding them this is the only “Christmas” many kids around the world will ever get. It was even more meaningful because our daughter Hannah was adopted from Russia. As parents, we have the responsibility to raise our kids to “think of others more highly than themselves.” Children of all ages need to be reminded of that!

Emily Moody shared a poem with us at staff meeting on Tuesday. The author is unknown, but the poem was heart-warming about this special ministry. Here it is…

Look Beyond Your Shoebox
I packed a Christmas shoebox gift. I do it every year.

These gifts are sent around the world to bring a child some cheer.

I focused on my shoebox and what I put inside,

When God told me to look beyond and see the other side.

I looked beyond my shoebox, and there I saw a friend,

Who helped to get my shoebox from here to journeys end.

In truth, there were so many who worked along the way.

They took these gifts around the world; they labored night and day.

Some checked and taped and cartonized, and moved my box with care,

While some raised hands of blessing and filled my box with prayer.

I looked beyond my shoebox, and there I saw a child,

Who received this gift of love while sitting meek and mild.

She heard the Gospel message. He listened quietly.

While many prayed Jesus to save their souls eternally.

Then it was time to open from me their gifts of joy.

Such noise I can’t imagine to see each treat and toy!

I looked beyond my shoebox and there I saw the Lord.

He smiled and said, “Well done, my child! Come see your reward.”

And as I turned, I saw a line far as the eye could see

Of children coming to say thanks for boxes sent by me.

“Thank you for your gift of love and for the Gospel, too.

Because you filled a shoebox, I’m now in Heaven with you.”

Each packed Operation Christmas Child shoebox comes with a child’s Gospel presentation inside and the chance to engage in a 12-week program to learn more about Jesus. This is not just a shoebox but a personal investment in children around the world – a chance to “introduce” Jesus Christ to this next generation. I hope you will consider taking a box or two with you this Sunday and fill it up. It costs only $10 to mail the shoebox across the globe. I can’t mail a box to OKC for that!

Looking forward to seeing you in worship this Sunday morning at 9 or 11.

Love you,
Pastor Mark

PS: A memorial service for Pastor Scott Heusel’s father will be held at the Lamont Global Methodist Church this Saturday, Nov. 8, at 1 p.m. Please keep Scott and his family in your prayers.