A Samaritan’s Purse team member shares how God is working through Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts.
When our shoebox distribution team arrived in Uruguay, the National Leadership Team leader for Operation Christmas Child told us:
“In Uruguay, the devil is out to steal, kill, and destroy our children. But we have a powerful weapon-the shoeboxes!”
I truly saw God at work through gift-filled shoeboxes this week. It’s not always about what’s in the box, but what God does with that box. And He does amazing things!
One day, we travelled to a juvenile center for teens, both girls and boys between 10 to 14 years of age with histories of violence and drug abuse.
As we sat down with the teens, we could see the hardness and rebellion in their eyes. It was intimidating!
Because we weren’t allowed to preach the Gospel, the counselor with us shared about the characteristics of love. Then we shared God’s love for them through shoebox gifts!
As the shoeboxes were distributed, the young people began to change. In the midst of joy and excitement, their attitudes softened. We were able to have a wonderful time with them, playing soccer, painting faces, skipping rope, and more.
By the time we left, everyone waved us farewell with huge smiles on their faces. We were allowed to give them The Greatest Gift booklet, and I know that God is going to use that in powerful ways to reach these kids with His love.
God is at work!
