EBLC
Operation Christmas Child
Started by the Samaritan's Purse project in 1993, Operation Christmas Child unites individuals, families, churches, and groups worldwide to fill empty shoeboxes with a "wow" item -- like a doll or soccer ball -- and other fun toys, school supplies, hygiene items, and notes of encouragement to be gifted to children in more than 150 countries worldwide. To date, there have been over 124 million gift-filled shoeboxes packaged for children by more than 500,000 volunteers worldwide from countries such as the United States. Australia, Finland, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Canada, Spain, and the U.K.
These shoeboxes are the first gift many children have ever received! The treasures and personal letters inside communicate that someone cares for them and gives them an opportunity to experience the love of God. As shoebox gifts are distributed, local pastors or church leaders present the Gospel in a fun way designed for kids while family and friends listen in. Along with their shoebox gift, children also receive The Greatest Gift, a colorful presentation of the Gospel in their own language. After receiving shoebox gifts, boys and girls are invited to enroll in The Greatest Journey, our 12-lesson discipleship program. They learn from trained local volunteers what it means to faithfully follow Christ and share their faith with others. Even before The Greatest Journey course is over, students begin witnessing to others. Then at graduation, the Gospel is shared with their friends and family again. The graduates also receive a New Testament to use personally and in communicating their faith to others. So far more than 4.7 million children have participated in The Greatest Journey program. Through the efforts of local believers on our National Leadership Teams, entire communities are being evangelized as shoebox gifts are delivered. Some of these areas do not have any existing church.
For more information, click on the Operation Christmas Child logo.
At the Everlasting Bread of Life Church, we are proud to serve organizations such as Operations Christmas Child, Mai Thai Coffee, and Abundant Life Ministries. Below is some information about what our mission work goes toward.
"For even the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Mark 10:45
MISSIONS
Mai Thai Coffee & Abundant Life Foundation
Mai Thai Coffee is a vital part of a social development project that is changing the lives of rural people throughout Northern Thailand. It is a grassroots effort that has the support of the Thai Government, the Forestry Department of Thailand and hundreds of villages across Mae Hong Son and Chiangmai Provinces.
Several years ago coffee trees were discovered growing in the villages of Northern Thailand. Although coffee had been introduced to the highland villages some 40 years ago as a substitution crop for opium, no one had developed a market for it. Further research unveiled that this area was a prime coffee growing region capable of producing high quality, specialty grade Arabica coffee. Thus, the idea for Mai Thai Coffee was born. In spite of the villager’s lack of education, they were extremely talented at growing things. By tending a modest coffee farm of just one acre, a village family is given the opportunity to multiply their income in order to properly care for their families. We provide the training for organic coffee production and we compensate the farmers above the established Fair Trade Price for their coffee.
Additionally, Mai Thai Coffee works closely with the Abundant Life Foundation in Thailand to provide support for orphans and at risk children. Proceeds have helped over 700 orphans and at risk children with education and health care. Full care facilities are operated where children can grow in a healthy environment and receive a quality education. Costs for housing, food, medical treatment, and school are 100% covered for these children.
For more information, click on the Mai Thai Coffee logo or click here to visit the Abundant Life Foundation webpage.