Proverbs 11:24 "There is one who is free in giving, and yet he grows richer. And there is one who keeps what he should give, but he ends up needing more." NLV
On Wednesday night the military ministry from our church met to pack boxes for the soldiers serving in war zones. It was a humbling experience, made even more treasured by the addition of families with young children, boy scouts, girl scouts, daisy scouts, youth groups, and single mothers with children. There were veterans and future soldiers, active duty and reservists, young and old, working together to bring a smile to young men and women far from home during this holiday season. Together we packed almost 200 boxes in less than 2 hours! You have to love it when God is in charge!
Here is a video from the night. http://vimeo.com/32380071
Because I have family members serving in Afghanistan now and one leaving soon, I am especially tenderhearted when it comes to the military. I cry at the very sound of the national anthem and those commercials by the wounded warrior foundation bring my heart into my throat every time I see them. www.woundedwarriorproject.org They are the unseen heroes of our day. They fight for our freedom while we go about our normal lives. You can't imagine the sacrifice these soldiers make when it comes to comfort, safety, or even just the simple call home.
There is no reason to not send a soldier a box this Christmas. Even the most desperately poor in our country will have more than many of these soldiers will have while serving in a foxhole on Christmas Eve. It's only $12.95 to mail a box from the US Post Office. And the boxes are free. Just ask for the special military box (An APO/FPO box) and they will provide everything you need. You can even go on www.usps.com and order the empty box to be sent directly to your house. You can use a website called Any Soldier Inc. to get an address and read emails from soldiers. http://anysoldier.com/howtosend.cfm
Please donate if you take address to help keep the website going. You can also use the USO website. They will make a box for you and let you put a personal message inside. All the funds go to the USO and to the soldiers boxes. http://www.uso.org/operation-uso-care-package.aspx
Many soldiers have no family. The military is their family. They get nothing from home, no phone calls, no letters, no boxes. I know without a doubt, that if you send a box to a soldier, God will make sure that it gets into the right hands. You can include a Bible with a personal message, pictures of your family, personal letters, handmade ornaments, and anything you feel God whispering to you to send. Please don't let these men and women go without on the birthday of the One who gave us the greatest gift of all. They protect our right to celebrate Christmas in peace.
May God bless you as you go about your holiday season. May we all be mindful of the gifts that mean more than anything. The gift of self, the gift of love, the gift of sacrifice, the gift of joy, and the gift of a simple smile.
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