Elves Shelves 2009

What started about 5 years ago with our Children's Minister Christy Butler learning about a few families that needed help at Christmas has grown into what we call Elves Shelves.  I was so proud of the family of First Baptist last Thursday, Friday and Saturday.  Over 500 people gave their time as volunteers during those three days to distribute toys to 577 families representing over 1300 children right here in Denton!  And hundreds more brought toys over the past several months as well. 

I'm proud of what First Baptist has done over the last decade in missions.  We have sent hundreds of people all over the world on mission trips and we plan to send hundreds more in the years to come.  But missions begins right here at home.  In the first message of our Christmas series yesterday I used the verse from John 15:12 "My command is this: Love each other as I loved you."  That is exactly what you did this past week.  you loved the needy of Denton as Christ loves you.

As I worked Friday morning as a volunteer at Elves Shelves I had the privilege of being at the "exit" door where the parents left the building with a bag full of toys for their children.  Over and over I heard things like "thank you for making our Christmas special."  "My kids would not have had Christmas without this."  "God bless you for giving to us."  It was a joy for me to see smiles on the faces of people who seldom have much to smile about.  It helped remind me of what Christmas is all about. 

Brad Cockrell was our staff liason to Elves Shelves this year and he did a great job.  Jane Naugher, Brenda Eckel,  Tracy Lau, and Mary Tickner were our "head elves" but there were so many more that gave of their time not only the past couple of weeks but all year long.  Elves Shelves is now a year round ministry at First Baptist.  So if you are interested in being a part of next year's ministry the first meeting is this coming Thursday December 10th!