During the visit, Mark asked how the group had first heard about Operation Christmas Child. Members explained that they had read a positive news article in the East Anglia Catholic Directory about a shoebox collection that had taken place at St George’s Catholic Church in Norwich the previous year.
Mark and Debra expressed their heartfelt thanks to the group for their generosity and spoke about the impact the ministry has had over more than 30 years.
Debra said, “please do not underestimate the touch of God’s love on the precious lives of children who have received shoeboxes and how your donation went a long way to supporting this ministry to take Christian resources to those who distribute the shoeboxes, in their own country.”
Mark shared that the UK sent 232,844 shoeboxes last year, while the total number sent from all donor countries reached 12,205,900, a figure that amazed the group.
He added, “we hear and meet those whose lives have been changed by this simple act of Love given in the name of Jesus.” He also highlighted the enthusiasm seen in schools, churches, clubs and among individuals across Norfolk and the wider UK who take part in the initiative each year.
Mark and Debra expressed their gratitude for the support shown locally, saying they give thanks for everyone in Norfolk and within the Union of Catholic Mothers who continue to serve others and live out their faith in action.
Anyone interested in finding out more about Operation Christmas Child for their church, school, group or business can contact Mark and Debra Watkins at markdebrawatkinsocc@yahoo.com.
Further information is available at: www.samaritans-purse.org.uk.
Pictured above Mark and Debra Watkins, volunteer Church and Community Relations team members with Samaritans Purse / Operation Christmas Child (OCC) and the members of the UCM group at this RC church in Norwich.
