DALLAS – March 10, 2014 — Dallas hosts the largest Christmas party in the nation each year–involving more than 20,000 in 2014—and this party for the needy was started by one caring woman. Metroplex residents are invited to come meet Susie Jennings, founder and president of Operation Care International (OCI), at a book signing for her new book that tells the story of the worldwide ministry that produces this Christmas event and began with giving blankets to people living under Canton Bridge.
The Lincoln Park Barnes & Noble, 7700 W. Northwest Highway, Dallas, will host the book signing event Saturday, March 21, at 3 p.m.
In 31 Days of Mountaintop Miracles: One Woman’s Legacy of Unconditional Obedience, Jennings tells the stunning story of the ministry that started by giving blankets.
Following the tragic death of her husband, Jennings sought to serve God and her community. At the time she was a nurse at Baylor Hospital and she began purchasing blankets and asking others to help her buy more. The blankets were distributed with a Christian message, food, and love. The homeless community called her the Blanket Lady.
But as Susie saw needs, the ministry grew.
“Through God’s grace and guidance a community blanket distribution project has grown into a worldwide ministry where we have reached nearly 24,000 children in nine countries and over 130,000 homeless men, women and children in the Dallas Metroplex area,” Susie explains.
In 2004, OCI launched Operation Care Christmas Gift, determined to serve and honor the thousands of homeless at Christmas with an event held at the Dallas Convention Center to celebrate Jesus’ birthday. The now-annual event in December 2014 drew more than 20,000 people – more than 17,000 homeless adults and impoverished children and families, as well as more than 3,000 volunteers.
OCI has received commendations for the Christmas event from Texas Governor Rick Perry, Texas Senator Ted Cruz, Texas Congressman Pete Sessions (32nd District), Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings and even a commendation letter from former President George W. Bush.
The event provides hot meals, an array of health and personal care services, plus clothing, sleeping bags, and blankets. New shoes and socks come with the event’s signature foot washing by volunteers and with the gospel message presented by volunteers and entertainers.
Special honors are afforded to homeless vets, honoring their service with dignity.
In addition, OCI provides free phone calls home, seeking to reunite families. This year OCI paid for three homeless persons as well as one other needy woman to return home.
For the homeless and impoverished children, the day also includes a birthday party for Jesus with toys and books, games, clowns, petting zoo, face painting, and cupcakes.
Susie’s heart for the homeless and impoverished in other parts of the world led to OCI’s expansion. By the end of 2015, OCI will have provided ministry in the Philippines, India, Kenya, Taiwan, China, Indonesia, Cambodia, Israel, Jordan and Brazil.
In the book, Susie shares 31 stories to inspire as well as inform, as her life and testimony challenge the reader to see the miracle moments in his or her own life.
“It is the never-ending supply of miracles woven together layer upon layer that makes up the intricate and colorful fabric of Operation Care International,” she writes in the book’s introduction.
“We are all part of His glorious plan, and when we follow Him with unconditional obedience and joy, there is no telling what kind of miracles will happen,” she declares.
“Has God called you to do something that you thought was impossible?” Susie asks. “It’s so exciting to see what God has in store for us if we listen to His voice and exercise unconditional obedience when we hear Him.”
31 Days of Mountaintop Miracles: One Woman’s Legacy of Unconditional Obedience (ISBN:978-1940262833, $12.99) is co-published by Clovercroft Publishing, Nashville, Tenn. and Roaring Lambs Publishing, Dallas.
For more information about Operation Care International, visit http://www.operationcareinternational.org.
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Editor’s note: Please contact Joni Sullivan Baker, Buoyancy Public Relations, jbaker@buoyancypr.com, 513/319-3231, to schedule interviews or to receive a review copy.