"Schools supporting this massive fund-raising effort for a particular Christian evangelical ministry are failing in their responsibility to respect the dignity of all of their students... I strongly encourage school councils--and school boards--to show strong ethical leadership on this issue by taking action to protect the students entrusted to them. Being provided with more complete information on the shoe box program will no doubt lead many parents and teachers to select other, more appropriate charitable activities for their children." - Dr. Darren Lund won the inaugural Harmony National Award of Distinction for his work in diversity education.

QUOTE OF THE DAY FOR NOV 6, 2008:

What is Operation Christmas Child?

Samaritan's Purse is a Christian evangelical organization that uses Operation Christmas Child as a "very effective outreach tool" to evangelize and convert children in other countries of the world. 

Franklin Graham is the International President  of Samaritan's Purse. Graham's words and actions toward other world religions reveal a remarkable lack of respect for the dignity of people whose world views differ from his own. His philosophy and world view are reflected throughout Operation Christmas Child.

The project has been promoted throughout Canada, the United States, Australia, United Kingdom,  Ireland, the Netherlands and Germany. Many communities have a number of pick up and drop off locations for shoe boxes filled with Christmas gifts destined for children in other countries of the world. 

What is the issue?

Many public schools and other publicly funded facilities and institutions are being used as a venue for this evangelistic missionary project. Our children's generosity is being used as a tool to convert other children to this particular brand of Christian evangelism.

Franklin Graham, the President of Samaritan’s Purse has confirmed that evangelism is the focus of the shoebox program and that the ultimate goal is religious conversion. Many teachers, parents and students are not aware of this focus and ultimate goal of Operation Christmas Child.

Hear it straight from the horses mouth (Windows Media File)

“I believe God has blessed this program because it is about more than Christmas presents... As long as evangelism is the focus, God will continue to bless it.” - Franklin Graham

“Shoe box gifts are distributed along with The Greatest Gift of All, an illustrated booklet that gives a clear presentation of the true meaning of Christmas—God’s love and salvation in Jesus Christ. The booklet has been printed in 65 languages. Local churches and ministry groups help us deliver the gifts and Gospel booklets…” - The November, 2002, Samaritan’s Purse Canada Newsletter

“Our outreach to these children and their families may begin with a shoe box gift but our ultimate goal is to open doors to share the Good News of Jesus Christ and to open hearts to receive Him as Lord and Savior." - Franklin Graham

“That’s one of the things about Samaritan's Purse,” Michael, an OCC representative, said. “It’s not just about giving the boxes so the children can receive presents. Giving the boxes actually evangelizes more than people think."

“It’s not just a big gift. It’s not just humanitarian aid. It is a tool for evangelism so thank you for helping us evangelize our people.” - OCC representative, Kosovo  

"The Pastors and members of the churches Operation Christmas Child works through are excited about this program because it gives them a very effective outreach tool.” - OCC Promotional Video

"That makes every shoebox packer a missionary." - Grand Forks Herald, Sept 27, 2004

"We are in a Third World War... It's a global fight against Islamic fundamentalism" - Franklin Graham, Oct 17, 2004

Should public schools and other publicly funded institutions be used as a venue by any organization to use our children’s enthusiasm, time and money as a tool to promote the specific beliefs of that organization? 

Please read on so you will be able to make an informed decision!