Thanks to everyone who participated in the packing of the shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child and in giving generously for supplies and postage. The TBC Youth and Come and See Class filled over 100 shoeboxes this year.

 
Operation Christmas Child, a program sponsored by Samaritan’s Purse, has given out gift-filled shoeboxes to over 232 million children in more than 170 countries and territories. Through these boxes, children hear the gospel of Jesus through a booklet, The Greatest Gift, written in their language. Then they can participate in a 12-week Bible study, The Greatest Journey.

 
This shoebox is probably the first and only gift the child may receive in his/her lifetime. Through these boxes, children realize God loves them and gives them hope. Children treasure these quality gifts, and some keep an item from the box for a lifetime. There are countless stories online at Samaritan’s Purse of how God has changed lives and entire villages through a simple shoebox.

 
Items included in the box include school supplies, hygiene items, toys, and a WOW item, such as a soccer ball, fishing kit, toolbox, stuffed animal, doll, musical instrument, or large toy. Some churches and individuals collect items year-round. One 101-year-old lady sewed a dress a day to put in the boxes. You’re never too old or too young to be involved.

 
If you or your class would like to participate in Operation Christmas Child next year, please contact Sue Oliver (text or call 719-650-6301) or Alycia Apostolides in the church office.

 

 

 

Men’s Bible Study groups study biblical passages together to foster group growth in faith and understanding. The Men in our Thursday morning Trinity Men’s Bible Study are from different backgrounds and come together at our Thursday morning Bible studies to expand their knowledge of Scripture.

 
Being a discussion leader for the Trinity Men’s Bible Study involves leading a group of mature men through scripture in a way that fosters growth, provides mutual encouragement, and builds a stronger community of men around their faith in our God. However, I must confess, leading a men’s Bible study always requires diligent preparation, humility before God and the text, as well as facilitating a discussion where the men in the class can discover biblical truths together rather than being lectured to. In order to do this, it is important to create a safe and welcoming environment where the men in the class are comfortable asking questions and sharing their thoughts. The goal is to guide a discussion by asking questions that help the group discover God’s truth together, rather than delivering a sermon or a lecture.

 
The second part to leading men in a thoughtful study of God’s word is it also helps me to grow in my own knowledge and spiritual maturity because it always allows me to develop a closer walk with God. The role also requires me to model my life of faith by showing others how to apply scripture alongside the joy of seeing God work in their lives. Through fellowship and a shared encounter with scripture, a thoughtful study of God’s word can and often does lead men to grow in their faith.