On Sunday 17 November, we brought shoeboxes to church, filled with toys, pens and paper, hats and scarves, and equally importantly, love, care, kindness and hope.  It is all part of Operation Christmas Child, ensuring that poor children in other countries receive a present for Christmas.  In Junior Church, we learned about Belarus, where boxes from North Shields will go, and in church we lit a candle for the children of that country.  Meanwhile, the adults, saw a video telling the story of one young woman who had been moved by a shoebox present she received as a child in post-Communist Romania.  We were urged to continue to listen and respond to those in need around the world.