Make A Difference

Who says one person can’t make a difference?

 

One person with vision can make a difference that affects countless others. Because of Thomas Edison’s perseverance with electricity we enjoy light in our homes, our stadiums and our cities. Many modern conveniences require little effort beyond flipping a switch or pushing a button.

Because Henry Ford persevered to create an engine and then mass produce cars, we can take a drive across town or across the country.

Because an English missionary to China, A. Wetherell Johnson, agreed to share her vast Bible knowledge with five women in California, Bible Study Fellowship was born in the 1950’s. Because of her small step of obedience to God’s nudging, more than 400,000 men, women, and children around the world are currently experiencing the transforming power of God’s word, using the methods she passed along.

Because someone conceived the idea, the Samaritan’s Purse ministry began “Operation Christmas Child.” Since 1993 they have delivered shoeboxes filled with gifts to children in some of the poorest areas of the world. The distribution of such boxes, containing school supplies, toys and hygiene items, has been changing lives. Often, when children receive a shoebox from Samaritan’s Purse, it is the first gift they have ever been given.

One shoebox can change a whole family, as each child that receives a box hears about God’s love for them. It makes a profound impact on the child, and his family, to know a stranger on the other side of the world packed this gift out of a love for Jesus. They then, naturally, want to know more about this Jesus who would stir such generosity.

My friend Becky fell in love with the shoebox ministry, and wanted to do more than just pack a few boxes on her own. In 2016 she inspired our church to participate with her family in packing boxes to be distributed by Samaritan’s Purse. That year, our church filled 366 boxes.

Since then, Becky has become known around our church as the “shoebox lady.” She has made it a year-long endeavor. Throughout the year members of our church donate pencils, coloring books, stuffed animals, soap, wash cloths, solar powered lanterns and flashlights, and other items that can fit in a small box. Becky and whoever else volunteers to help, sort the items into bins for appropriate age groups.

Every November we have a packing party. Items are arranged on tables. Volunteers pick up a plastic box (even the box is a gift) at one end of a line of tables then proceed down the line, filling the boxes with the collected materials. The boxes are packed tightly, because Becky’s instructions include, “Pack no air.” It is amazing how much can be packed into each box. Even things like clothing items and bottles for water are included. This year our church packed and sent off 1081 boxes. It is not unusual for a church to collect 1000 + boxes. It is unusual for a church of fewer than 300 members to send off 1000 boxes.

Because of one person’s vision and diligence, 1081 children in some far off part of the world will receive a gift that adds joy to their lives. They will receive both fun things and practical things. They will hear about Jesus. Lives will be changed.

Though others may get involved in carrying out a project, it begins with one person having a vision and starting the process. One person can make a big difference. What has God put on your heart to do? How can you begin?

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16 NIV

 

What are your thoughts? Please leave a comment below.

Blessings,
Phyllis

Photo by Katherine Conrad on Unsplash

Copyright 2023 Phyllis l. Farringer