The Lord is my Shepherd, I Shall Not Want

Samaritan's Purse is a ministry we love so dearly. They are a humanitarian aid and relief organization that provide medicine, food, shelter and other desperately needed assistance to people in the U.S. and around the world in the name of Jesus. Many of these people have been living in these dire circumstances for years due to famine, war, and natural disasters. They build and rebuild communities and respond in emergency situations as well.

Operation Christmas Child is just one of the projects they facilitate. We pack shoe boxes filled with necessary items such as toothbrushes, combs, pens, pencils, paper, shoes, clothing, candy and toys, and take them to the local collection center, they are packed into large shipping cartons and driven to processing centers. From the processing centers they are sent to very needy children in hospitals, orphanages, remote villages, slums, prison courtyards, etc., all over the world. Each child receives a gospel book in their own native language, and is invited to participate in a 10-week discipleship course through a local Samaritan's Purse supported church. Upon graduation, they receive a graduation certificate and their very own bible. For most children, this is the only present they have ever received.

Although we have been packing shoe boxes for years, this year our family had the privilege of serving at our local collection site. The children could not wait to go. I have so enjoyed hearing their prayers at night and all the things that are on their little minds. My prayer is that our hearts would yield to the work that Jesus is doing in us. To be completely satisfied in nothing but the love that comes from a relationship with Him. To be completely grateful for the grace that He gives beyond measure. And to be cheerful givers of the abundance He provides.

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Psalm 23
A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

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