DBU's Annual Christmas Tradition of Giving

At DBU, we make it a priority to proclaim the gospel to the world and serve the least of these for the glory of God. Samaritan's Purse's 'Operation Christmas Child' is a beautiful way that DBU has been able to carry out this mission each and every year.

DBU and Samaritan's Purse have been partnered for over 25 years to help with Operation Christmas Child on DBU's campus. Samaritan's Purse's website explains, "The mission of Operation Christmas Child is to demonstrate God's love in a tangible way to children in need around the world. Through this project, Samaritan's Purse partners with the local church worldwide to share the Good News of Jesus Christ and make disciples of the nations."

Since the beginning of the DBU family helping to pack boxes, we have served as a relay center for our area collecting and relaying between 2,000 to 3,000 boxes each year. Starting as a small effort in the DBU lab school with only a few boxes has grown to over 75,000 boxes over the last 25 years. Each of these boxes carries small Christmas gifts, letters from the senders, and the Gospel message to children in impoverished countries worldwide. Last year alone, Operation Christmas Child delivered over 10 million boxes – which means over 10 million children received Christmas gifts and the gospel of Jesus Christ through these boxes.

"Each box is a tangible expression of God's love and allows DBU students to take part in global mission from right here at home," says Dr. Mark Hale, Associate Provost and a professor of Higher Education, who coordinates the annual partnership with Operation Christmas Child to help collect and relay boxes on DBU's campus.

As we approach the Christmas season, we are grateful for all that the Lord has given us. As a DBU family, helping to gather and collect boxes for Operation Christmas Child is an easily accessible and tangible way for us to not only give gifts and toys to children and families out of our love, but also to proclaim the good news of Jesus across the globe.