Franklin Graham spoke to the hundreds who attended the 13th annual Bikers with Boxes event on Saturday, October 17, at The Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, North Carolina. "I just want to say, 'Thank you for every gift, every box.' It makes a huge difference," said Graham, who's a biker as well.
More than 900 bikers from near and far drove in with packed Operation Christmas Child boxes. Through Samaritan's Purse, each one will be distributed to a child in need across the world.
The most special part of every box is the inclusion of the Gospel message. Alex Nsengimana survived the Rwandan genocide and received a shoebox in his home country as a child. During the event, he shared how much the gift meant to him. >> Do you understand the Gospel? Start by learning about Christ's love for you.
Saturday served as the kickoff for Operation Christmas Child's collection season. Last year, more than 8.9 million boxes were collected in the United States.
The event took place in the front parking lot of the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, North Carolina—the same location as Billy Graham's tent funeral in February 2018. His legacy continues as the Good News is still being shared.
Attendees warmed up during the brisk October morning with fellowship and some games.
Some enjoyed taking the Journey of Faith tour inside the Billy Graham Library, which is considered Billy Graham's ongoing Crusade. Graham's lifelong mission was to share the Gospel with the world.
Crisis-trained chaplains from the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team prayed for not just those who will be receiving boxes—but also for the ones who gave them.
Bikers brought more than 4,050 Operation Christmas Child boxes which included stuffed animals, school supplies, soccer balls and more gifts. >> Find out how you can pack a box, too.
While onstage, Franklin Graham shared a story of how one child in Bosnia received a box but didn't want it. The child said he just wanted parents instead. But when he opened the box, he found not only gifts, but a picture and address of the family who gave him the box. He exchanged letters with them, and eventually they adopted him. "God put the parents in a box," Graham said, explaining the answered prayer.
Some bikers came in groups while others rode alone and made friends while there.
Pastor Steve Combs came from Columbus, Ohio, to address the crowd. He told them about his troubled past and the story of his salvation.
Just a glimpse at some of the shoeboxes that went from the backs of motorcycles into large cardboard boxes that will be distributed in more than 100 countries.
Dennis Agajanian has traveled around the world leading worship at evangelistic events with Franklin Graham for decades. He led soul-filled songs to a joyful audience.
Some enjoyed writing personalized notes for their boxes.
"People’s lives have been changed because of Operation Christmas Child because of people like you, just caring enough to pack a box and give it to us," Graham said. "And we’re able to share it with children around the world. Thank you."
