Last year over 6,700 gifts were delivered to six reservations in the Dakotas and Minnesota. "Without the help of congregations such as yours we would never be able to share the love of Jesus Christ with this many children," said Mike Flowers, Spirit Lake Ministry Center. "Additionally, the parents of these children feel this love as well. Can you imagine what it must be like, as a parent, not being able to afford a single gift for your children?"

Photo: A child opens up a Shoebox Christmas gift during a gathering.  Shoebox Christmas gifts are being collected now until November 15.  Photo courtesy of Spirit Lake Ministry Center.

 Mike and Libby Flowers of Spirit Lake Ministry Center have heard more than once the agony of choosing food over gifts for Christmas. The continued support of Shoebox Christmas allows Spirit Lake Ministry Center the opportunity to plant seeds of faith in the communities the gifts impact.

"Here on the Spirit Lake Nation, we have benefited from these gifts with the start of a fun night out for children 8 years of age and up. We also have a youth night out for youth 12 years of age and up," said Libby Flowers, Spirity Lake Ministry Center. "Some of the children are already asking if we are getting gifts again this year. What is so exciting about this year's program is we will be able to give these children their gifts at our own Christmas party."

This will be a first for Spirit Lake Ministry Center.  A new kitchen and fellowship center have been created through support from the Dakotas Conference churches and beyond.

"You helped make our dream a reality." said Mike Flowers. "If anyone in your congregation wonders if this simple gift makes a difference, share this with them. I wish each and everyone of you could be here to share these wonderful gifts and see the smiles on the children's faces and shake the hands of the adults as they see the joy these small gifts bring to their children."

Shoebox Christmas gifts serve the following reservations in the Dakotas: Spirit Lake Nation, Turttle Mountain, Standing Rock, Crow Creek and the Enemy Swim School on the Flandreau Reservation, and the Red Lake Reservation in Minnesota. 

Packages will be picked up starting on November 16th at The Celebration in Brandon, SD, Conference Office in Mitchell, SD,  First UMC in Pierre, SD,  McCabe UMC in Bismarck, ND and Vincent UMC in Minot, ND. Wesley UMC in Grand Forks, ND and First UMC in Fargo, ND will follow shortly there after. 

"A simple thank you doesn't seem to be enough for the support you have given this program. Please understand the impact you have on these children who are the least, the last and the lost. God bless you all," stated Mike and Libby Flowers. 

If you have any questions, contact Mike or Libby Flowers by e-mail or phone 701-799-1174.