Christian Capitalist Podcast
With Rich Sanders
Ep. 36 with Joanne Hickox
In this moving and mission-focused episode, host Rich Sanders sits down with Joanne Hickox, founder of Operation Military Matters, a nonprofit that sends thousands of care packages to deployed U.S. troops around the world. What began as a simple school project with her granddaughter has grown into a powerful ministry of encouragement, generosity, and community engagement.
Joanne shares the heart behind this work, the stories of service members moved by a box of essentials and a handwritten letter, and how the ripple effect of small acts of kindness can reach the ends of the earth. Her journey is a masterclass in obedience, compassion, and using what’s in your hand to change the world—one soldier, one package at a time.
In This Episode:
• 01:00 How Operation Military Matters Got Its Start
• 04:30 A Grandmother-Granddaughter Project Turns into a Nonprofit
• 08:00 What’s in a Care Package - and Why It Matters
• 13:30 Stories from the Field - Troops Receiving Love from Home
• 18:00 Partnering with Schools, Churches & Local Businesses
• 23:00 The Power of Handwritten Notes
• 28:00 Fundraising, Stewardship & God's Provision
• 34:00 Volunteer-Driven Success & Community Involvement
• 39:00 Living the Christian Capitalist Life as a Nonprofit Leader
• 42:00 Joanne’s Definition of a Christian Capitalist
Quotes:
• “You never know how much impact you’ll have just by showing someone you care.” [13:40]
• “It’s not just a package - it’s a message of love from home.” [23:05]
• “God gave us this mission, and He keeps providing what we need to fulfill it.” [28:45]
Relevant Links:
· Christian Capitalist Website
· Operation Military Matters: https://operationmilitarymatters.org
· How to Donate or Volunteer: https://operationmilitarymatters.org/donate
· Connect with Joanne:
o LinkedIn
· Scripture Referenced: Matthew 25:40 - “Whatever you did for the least of these... you did for Me."
