Operation Christmas Child: What to ask before packing a box — with David Painter

Posted on October 7, 2026 
Filed under for your prayers, Resources

From The Pastor’s Heart this week –

“Before your church packs another Christmas shoebox, pause to ask: who is our generosity really helping?

After more than twenty years serving with the Church Missionary Society in Cambodia, David Painter has challenging questions about Samaritan’s Purse’s Operation Christmas Child—and the way Western Christians support overseas mission.

Can our gifts unintentionally weaken local initiative, local giving and the churches we want to strengthen?

David Painter outlines how to assess whether our generosity is helping local churches flourish.

Further Reading The Other Cheek.”

– Watch or listen here. A fascinating discussion which raises important questions about culture and power, involving much more than shoe boxes.