Carroll County woman’s poem captures spirit of Operation Christmas Child

For many years countless families, churches and groups have been putting together boxes of toys and school supplies to send overseas to children around the world during Samaritan's Purse Operation Christmas Child.

This community has been especially giving, as people give from the heart to bless the lives of children who may not otherwise receive any presents during the Christmas season.

Each year there is a gathering of those dedicated to this mission, and this year in Walnut Creek at the annual banquet, patrons were not only treated to the story behind the mission and a great meal, but also heard an original poem that sums up the OCC purpose.

During that banquet earlier this fall, Jon and Belinda Mach of Carroll County presented the opening, and along with it came a poem written by Belinda Mach about the importance, passion and message of hope in every one of the shoeboxes.

Belinda Mach said she and her husband have done the opening for OCC banquets before, and they always tend to be on the humorous side, but this year she wanted to do something different and chose to touch the hearts of many by reading a poem she said she really can’t take credit for creating.

“I was hoping to find a different way to portray the importance of this mission, and I was praying about it, and the Holy Spirit led me to write a poem,” Mach said. “I thought to myself, ‘Write a poem? What am I going to write a poem about?’ And then I heard the simple message: Just tell people why we do what we do for these children all over the world.”

Mach said the words flowed easily as she dug deep into why people put so much time and effort into creating these shoeboxes filled with gifts for children around the globe — children they will probably never meet.

“I felt very led, which is why I don’t even take credit for writing the poem,” Mach said. “To God be the glory because he truly inspired me with these words to share with others.”

The room was respectfully quiet as the words from the poem “I Don’t Know You But I Love You” touched the hearts of each person in attendance.

For Mach and her husband, who head up the OCC drop-box location at Mt. Pleasant Methodist Church in Carrollton, the words are heartfelt because Mach is certain they came from God.

Not only did she offer the poem, but also she and some of her church members gave a performance portraying the act of giving in love.

Following is the poem in its entirety:

I Don’t Know You But I Love You

I don’t know what sorrow has touched your young life.

Was it famine or war or illness or strife?

I don’t know where you live or the color of your hair.

I wish I could help you. I wish I could be there.

I’m sorry I can’t hug you and kiss your tears away,

But I think I’ve found an answer — I think I’ve found a way

I’ll pack you a shoebox and fill it with love.

I’ll put in some flip-flops, a hat or some gloves.

I’ll pack you a yo-yo, a soccer ball and a pump,

A teddy bear, a baby doll or maybe a rope to jump.

I’ll put in a notebook, some crayons and a pen.

I’ll add a toothbrush, a comb, a washcloth … and then,

I’ll pray that you get the box meant specifically for you

And that when you open it, you’ll know that I love you.

Then I’ll pray that the box will lead you to Christ

And that knowing that he loves you will change your life.

Operation Christmas Child drop-off dates are Nov. 17-24 at locations all over the United States. To locate a drop-box site, visit www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/drop-off-location.