Samaritan’s Purse UK is an international relief and development organisation that works through local churches to proclaim and demonstrate the love of God amongst communities in need (in countries across Sub-Saharan Africa, Eastern Europe and Central Asia) across the world.

The mission of Operation Christmas Child is to show God's love in a tangible way to children in need around the world, and together with the local church worldwide, to share the good news of Jesus Christ.

Since 1990, more than 157 million children in over 160 countries have experienced God's love through the power of simple shoebox gifts from Operation Christmas Child.

Lighthouse Community Church has been involved in sending many, many shoeboxes filled with gifts and love for many years. After receiving a shoebox gift, children have the opportunity to enrol in The Greatest Journey - 12 fun and interactive Bible lessons, where they get the chance to discover who Jesus is and how to begin their own journey of faith.

As well as sending lots of shoeboxes every year, we (LCC) also send extra funds to enable children to enrol in the Greatest Journey.

"I am so touched that so many people from LCC support this project every year, its such a simple way to make a huge difference in a childs life who has nothing. Watching the films (available on Samaritan's Purse website) is always emotional and uplifting. Thank you one and all for your generosity, support and love."

Hazel Flowers