SUNDAY, November 18 was ‘’Shoebox Sunday’’ at Crediton Methodist Church when some 52 shoeboxes were brought to church to be blessed before being sent to International Aid Trust – a charity known for Christian Compassion for a Hurting World.

The theme of the service was compassion. The words of one of the hymns was Help me be Your eyes Lord Jesus, seeing where Your help is needed.

International Aid Trust provides that help as it collects, sorts and distributes millions of pounds of much-needed humanitarian aid to places as varied as Africa, Eastern Europe, Mexico, Cuba, India and the Philippines.

Imagine a year without presents. For most of us in the UK this is almost unheard of. For some children in the poorer parts of the world the gift of a shoebox is a dream come true, or an answer to prayer.

This is why International Aid Trust delivers shoeboxes throughout the year, not just at Christmas. It is likely to be the only gift they will receive that year.

A lorry will shortly be leaving Crediton packed with clothing, blankets and a large number of shoeboxes – not just the 52 but those made up throughout the year by members of Crediton Methodist Church.

Bronwyn Nott