The Power of a Simple Gift…
First United Methodist Church collected 126 shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child - a hands on missions project. This is the first year for FUMC to be a Relay Center for the Wood County area, and 991 shoe boxes were collected. A “Thank you” to all the churches from Alba, Quitman, Mineola, Gilmer, Winnsboro, Hawkins, and Sulphur Springs and the community groups, such as the Quitman 4 H Group, Cub Scouts in Como, TX and the employees of the Chick-fil-a in Greenville, TX. A “Thank You” to all the volunteers for giving of yourself to man the Relay Center this 2011 National Collection Week, November 14 – 21. A “Thank you” to each one of you that donated a shoe box. You are making a difference in a child’s life, showing someone cares.
Elizabeth Olga from the Ukraine, told her story about running away from home at the age of 9. Her father had died in an auto accident and her mother was an alcoholic and could not support 6 children. Elizabeth ended up in an orphanage and she longed for a loving family. Children would have to share everything with the other children. In 2006 Elizabeth received a shoe box from Operation Christmas Child and she said ”so someone cares about me”. The next year a couple from Williamsburg, VA adopted Elizabeth. When it came to this time of year they started putting together shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child. “Elizabeth was so excited to help and she said to them “you are the ones that cared”
“Who I am makes a difference”
All are invited to board the bus for two nights in Branson, Mo., on June 6. Passengers will see two shows - Joseph and the Dixie Stampede dinner show. You will get lodging, four meals, and transportation - all that for just $265 per person. 
