Gideon and Emma Owens are working towards serving with White Horse Missions to advance the gospel throughout Central America by equipping and empowering local pastors. Their story began at a summer camp in 2021, where they discovered a shared passion for international ministry. Since then, God has guided their journey—now as a married couple—into full-time missions, opening doors they never could have imagined.
Through their partnership with White Horse Missions, Gideon and Emma are actively involved in training pastors through regional seminaries, helping local church leaders deepen their theological understanding, strengthen their faith, and lead thriving, gospel-centered congregations. Alongside this, they serve in church planting efforts and ministry projects that meet both spiritual and practical needs across Central America.
Their mission is simple yet profound: to see the Kingdom of God grow through local leaders who are equipped to disciple others and transform their communities with the hope of Christ.
By partnering with Gideon and Emma, donors have the opportunity to invest directly in sustainable, gospel-centered leadership development—empowering pastors, strengthening churches, and advancing God’s work throughout Central America.
It’s time for Operation Christmas Child!
OCC Shoebox Building Event
November 1, 2025 | 9:00am – 11:30am
Main Lobby | Simpsonville Campus
Mark your calendars!
We’re inviting volunteers ages 4 and up to help us fold and assemble 1,200 shoeboxes for children around the world.
Come enjoy Christmas music, fellowship, and fun as we serve together on this meaningful, missions-minded project.
Bring your friends and family—it’s a wonderful way to kick off the holiday season while making a global impact!
OCC Shoebox Collection Week
November 17 – 23, 2025
Upstate Kids Building | Downtown Simpsonville Campus
Please mark your calendars with the following dates for Operation Christmas Child (OCC) at Upstate Church:
Shoebox distributions, all Campuses:
Sunday mornings , November 2, 9, and 16.
National Collection Week:
November 17 – 23, 2025
Drop-offs will also be available during the week of November 17-23 at the Simpsonville campus in the Kids wing (follow signs):
11/17: 4pm-6pm
11/18: 4pm-6pm
11/19: 4pm-7:15pm
11/20: 4pm-6pm
11/21: 4pm-6pm
11/22: 10am-noon
11/23: During all Sunday morning services
For more information, or to volunteer, visit with Jim or Melonee Lechleiter via phone or text at 864-303-3432 .
Thank you praying for OCC and for the children who will be receiveing shoeboxes. And, thank you for packing shoe boxes!
If you would like to build shoeboxes online, please use the link below to have them count towards our total goal for 2025!
If you’d like to volunteer at the Operation Christmas Child Processing Center in Charlotte or in Atlanta, we have made some reservations for FBS | Upstate Church. If none of these times work for you, you can also make reservations for yourself or for your group online at: Samaritanspurse.org/OCC.
Available Reservations at CHARLOTTE:
Tuesday 12/9 10 AM -2 PM
8 of 10 slots available
Wednesday 12/10 10 AM -2 PM
10 of 10 slots available
Friday 12/12 9 AM –1 PM
8 of 8 slots available
Tuesday 12/16 10 AM –2 PM
8 of 8 slots available
Available Reservations at ATLANTA:
Wednesday 12/10 10 AM –2 PM
10 of 10 slots available
Please call or text Melonee Lechleiter at 864-303-3432 to reserve any of the above reservations for yourself or your group..
Deadline for drop off at any of our locations –
November 23, 2025
Many inmates, be it men, women or youth, have no one who displays any concern for them. This care package ministry provides hope and demonstrates love.
Packing list –
NO DEVIATIONS FROM THE LIST, PLEASE!
All items must fit in the press seal bag with seal closed securely.
NO DEVIATIONS FROM THE LIST, PLEASE!
The Gospel of John will be included at the final contents check. All packets are delivered prior to Christmas which may well be the only gift many will receive.
10:OOAM | 11:20AM
8:45AM | 10:00AM | 11:20AM
11:20AM
10:00AM | 11:20AM
10:00AM | 11:20AM
8:45AM | 10:00AM | 11:20AM
8:45AM | 10:00AM | 11:20AM
COMING SOON!
