Franklin Graham Update: October 2023
Never Underestimate the Power of a Simple Gift
Operation Christmas Child – 080053
A Gift that Multiplies
SIERRA LEONE
In Sierra Leone, Foday* could hardly believe the sight of a geometry kit tucked inside his shoebox gift. “I was very blessed to receive a gift box from a church in my community. In the box, I found a geometry set and other items!” he said. “I had been asking my parents to buy one for me, but they could not.”
FODAY (LEFT) PROUDLY DISPLAYS THE GEOMETRY SET FROM HIS SHOEBOX GIFT.
Racing home, Foday showed the gifts to his mom and dad, who marveled at the kit their son had requested for so long. “They were very happy and sent me to call the pastor to talk with them.”
Foday was surprised by his parents’ request. They often told him not to trust the few Christians who lived in their village. “But upon seeing the box, my parents changed their mind about the church and told me if I want to go, they have no problem with it,” Foday said. “The pastor came to our house, and my parents thanked him.”
Alongside his three brothers, Foday is regularly attending church. He also participated in The Greatest Journey, the discipleship course offered after shoebox outreach events. “My brothers and I started telling my parents about the goodness of Jesus Christ in our lives. All glory to God, we have accepted Jesus Christ as our personal Savior and Lord.” Our God can use the simplest gifts to open the way for a family to know Him.
A ‘Marvel’-lous Miracle
GAMBIA
TWIN BOYS REJOICE OVER MATCHING HATS IN SHOEBOXES FROM DIFFERENT PROVINCES! On a hot June morning in Gambia, West Africa, a classroom full of noisy, excited children waited for their turn to receive a gift-filled shoebox. One small boy was elated to discover a desired treasure at the top of his box—a Marvel comic hat. Overflowing with excitement, he leapt to his feet, vigorously waving the hat in the air to show his twin brother sitting across the room at the back. Each time he uncovered a new surprise in his box, he would rise, wave the item around, and ensure his brother shared his joy.
As the children finished unwrapping their gifts and rose to leave, an exuberant yell echoed across the room. The boy sporting the Marvel hat stood side by side with his twin—who was now wearing an identical hat!
Amazingly, the twins’ boxes had made their way to Gambia from unrelated families in different provinces. One box held a note from a family in Ontario, while the other came from Atlantic Canada. Our God, who is not limited by geographical divides, had sovereignly arranged this special matching gift for the twin brothers—a reminder that they are seen, known, and loved by Him.
A Tiny Hand in Prayer
PHILIPPINES
PRAYER IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF EVERY SHOEBOX.*Photo not of Bea.
When 12-year-old Bea opened her shoebox in the Philippines, she found it bursting with toys, coloring materials, and other beautiful items. “It was an unforgettable experience,” she said. But the item that caught her eye was a note attached to the lid.
Carefully unfolding the message, Bea discovered a tiny handprint with the words: “When you put your hand here, I prayed for you.” She immediately followed the direction, placed her hand over the imprint, and closed her eyes. Bea felt a stirring in her heart. “I felt that there was someone who really was praying for me,” she said.
God used that note to change Bea’s life. The message gave her a desire to pray for others. “I noticed the hand was smaller than mine,” she said. “If this little child has this heart to pray for others, I can do it as well.”
Bea attended The Greatest Journey follow-up discipleship course taught by the church, where she received her shoebox gift. The 12 lessons taught her who Jesus is, and she trusted Him as Lord and Savior. She also started praying for her friends and inviting them to church—and many chose to follow Jesus, too. Praise God!
Now 20, Bea serves as a worship team member with her church. The congregation contains many friends who are there because God worked through her invitations. Whenever she sees them or prays for others to know Jesus, Bea remembers the tiny hand of the shoebox packer who prayed for her.
*Names changed to protect privacy.
YOUR SHOEBOX GIFTS GO TO HARD-TO-REACH PLACES WHERE CHILDREN HEAR THE GOSPEL FOR THE FIRST TIME
