I’m Susie—a wife, mom, grandma, hairdresser, and longtime member of Cornerstone Christian Center in Basalt. I love people, and I love finding ways to share God’s love with them. Operation Christmas Child has become one of those ways for me.

It started with an invitation

My good friend Becky McDaniel had been an Operation Christmas Child project leader for many years. She invited me to packing parties and to “Crafternoons,” where local women gather to make special handmade gifts for shoeboxes.

Each time I went, I felt such joy being with women who were led by the Holy Spirit to create beautiful gifts and pray for children around the world.

One day, Roz Fowler, the Rocky Mountain area coordinator for Operation Christmas Child, asked if I would prayerfully consider becoming a project leader for Cornerstone. There wasn’t a leader at the church then, and I felt honored to help fill that need. I spoke with Pastor Jim, and he was excited to start the ministry up again.

Now, in my third year volunteering alongside my co-leader, Claudia Newell, we become even more excited each year about sharing the love of Jesus around the world. I’m truly blessed and grateful to be part of such an impactful ministry.

“Each year, we became more on fire to spread the love of Jesus around the world”

A gift chosen with a child in mind

When I pack a shoebox, I think about the child who will receive it. You choose a boy or girl and an age group—2–4, 5–9, or 10–14—and try to make the box:

• Fun: Include a special “wow” item the child will love.
• Full: Fill the box with gifts.
• Personal: Add a note of encouragement, Scripture, or perhaps a photo.

The most important thing to pack

Most of all, pray for the child who will open the box. Prayer is the most important thing to pack.

The $10 donation helps cover shipping and supports gospel teaching translated into more than 118 languages. I think of each shoebox as a mustard seed spreading the love of Jesus around the world.

“Prayer is the most important thing to pack in a box.”

The story continues after the gift

Every child who receives a shoeboxes is invited to take part in The Greatest Journey, a 12-lesson discipleship course that helps them learn how to follow Christ and share Him with others.

To me, this is one way we can live out Jesus’ words to “make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). I also think of His invitation: “Let the little children come to me” (Matthew 19:14).

You can take part, wherever you are

Our church will have boxes available beginning October 25, with the collection ending November 15. If you can’t attend Cornerstone in person or pick up a physical box, you can still participate by building and sending one online.

I hope you’ll consider packing a shoebox and praying for the child who receives it. It’s a practical way to serve, and you never know how God may use that simple gift. - Bless you, Susie