Appalachian State Mountaineers Send Christmas Joy Worldwide

The Appalachian State Mountaineers football team got together to pack Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes. This packing party involved players and coaches who were all excited to share the joy of Christmas with kids around the world. Kristy Graham attended the packing party, as they filled over 600 shoeboxes for boys and girls in need. First, Jordan Roten, an Operation Christmas Child team member, showed Kristy Graham the array of toys spread across numerous tables. The players were able to customize each box by picking out toys like stuffed animals, card games, and even footballs.

“[Players] are getting to see tangibly what it looks like to be the hands and feet of Jesus, to shine the light of Christ.”—Jordan

Next, Kristy talked to Madison Cone, who works for Samaritan’s Purse. This packing party was close to Madison’s heart because he used to play football for Appalachian State University. Numerous players packing that night were his former teammates, so it was a full-circle moment for him to see these men eager to serve the Lord.

“It just opens the door for you to have conversations and reach new people for the Gospel. People are being reached on the other side of the world with these boxes, but people are also being reached right here in the States through these boxes.”—Madison

Then, Kristy spoke with Coach Clark, the current football coach at Appalachian State University, and Coach Moore, who previously coached the team for 24 years. Both of these men spend their days dedicated to the game of football, but they don’t only focus on these young men as players. The coaches truly care about pouring into these student athletes beyond just football. They desire to raise up Godly men who live for more than themselves.

“Everyone sees our players on Saturdays with a uniform and they're tough and that's all, that they’re football players. They're more than football players. This is a proud moment.”—Coach Clark

Kristy got the chance to ask some of the players why they came to pack Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes. Each of the players shared a similar theme: spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Hosting a packing party is not only a way to reach the ends of the earth, but also to share your faith with those in your community.

“It's an opportunity to spread the Gospel. We have a platform to use. And if we can, use it to the best of our ability, because football is limited, but God is forever.”—Eli

Please pray for the children who will soon receive these gift-filled shoeboxes. Pray that their hearts would be softened to the Gospel. If you’d like to keep up to date with more stories on the ground, please visit SamaritansPurse.org.