For years, our family has sent shoeboxes to kids around the world through Operation Christmas Child. This year, many people were surprised by a request from the organizers not to enclose any Christian toys or tracts:
Donors are asked to pack shoeboxes with a cuddly toy, a toothbrush and toothpaste, soap and flannel, notepads, colouring books and crayons – but nothing to do with Christmas. Stories from the Bible, images of Jesus and any other Christian literature are expressly forbidden – in case Muslims are offended.
Some people think this is a case of political correctness gone overboard, but I think it may be a wise approach, especially if the people who distribute the shoeboxes in countries around the world are able to use these gifts as a way to begin long-term relationships with the families who receive them.
During our mens retreat on Molokai last weekend, we spent a morning giving free oil changes to anyone in town who needed one. We didn’t require people to listen to a sermon to get an oil change. We didn’t even try to give them a tract. Instead, we just prayed that this simple gift would open doors to conversations about Christ. And it did. Because the greatest Christian publicity is the love and generosity of Christ’s people.