Shoe Box donors lovingly follow Christ's directive

To the editor:

I was dismayed to read the Speak Out titled "Slap in the face." It seems that the individual submitting the comment was unaware of the real reason for the Samaritan's Purse Operation Christmas Child Shoe Box Ministry.

The Shoe Box Ministry makes it possible for children throughout the world to have a Christmas to remember. Many of these children are in war-torn countries and really do not need to be reminded that their relatives -- possibly even their parents -- lost their lives because of war. They will receive numerous small gifts in a shoe box, everything from soap to a rubber duck. They will also have an opportunity to receive the greatest gift of all: Jesus Christ as their Savior. Each child will hear the true meaning of the Christmas story.

No one intended to give anyone a slap in the face. I am truly sorry if that is what the reader experienced. I believe it is possible to separate the fact that our country is at war from a gift of love to a child in a foreign country. There are always guidelines in everything we do. Christ said that the greatest commandment is "Love God (with all you have), and the second is like unto the first, thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." For those of us who have contributed to the Shoe Box Ministry, we are lovingly following Christ's commands.

DANIEL L. HALE

Pastor

First Baptist Church

Millersville