When Rachel Koh began dating the man who would become her husband, one of their conversations was about people around the world who never had a chance to hear about the saving love and salvation offered by Jesus Christ.
The Holy Spirit used that discussion to turn Rachel’s heart toward serving God’s Kingdom, and sharing the Gospel, through Operation Christmas Child.
When the Kohs moved to the northern Alberta city of Fort McMurray in 2019, they began packing shoebox gifts for children in need. Rachel learned the ministry needed a Fort McMurray area coordinator to build a team of volunteers and promote the ministry.
“After prayer, I felt this is where I belonged,” Rachel said.
We praise God for how He finds and brings people into this ministry to use their passion and skill to reach children with the Good News of the Gospel!
In Rachel’s case, she became a year-round Connect volunteer with Operation Christmas Child in January 2020. Despite the many challenges posed by the pandemic, she led the way as generous Fort McMurray residents packed 1,300 shoeboxes for children.
“None of it could have been done without God,” Rachel said gratefully. “He gave me the courage to form my team and involve multiple small businesses in my area.”
She loves the sense of community—“not only with the people in my city, but with the area coordinators in Alberta. Janet, our regional manager who supports all of us in Alberta, has done a wonderful job of making us each feel special and bringing us together, even when miles apart.”
Operation Christmas Child needs more volunteers in your community. If you have a passion to see children and families come to know the love of Christ, then check us out and learn more about how God can use your unique gifts. Be part of an encouraging team and do something you love that makes a difference year-round.
Were you inspired by Rachel’s passion for Operation Christmas Child? Read Carolyn’s story and learn more about what it means to be a Connect volunteer.
Please donate $12 for every shoebox you prepare. Your donations will help cover project costs, including shipping (make one combined donation for multiple shoeboxes). Consider making an additional donation to help Samaritan's Purse go beyond the shoebox and expand assistance to children, their families, and their communities. Samaritan's Purse does not provide receipts for the value of gift items included in a shoebox.