We had many opportunities for fellowship and sharing the Gospel during our Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift distribution this year. After the distribution we visited in the homes of some of the children who received shoeboxes. We went to a poor home where the father recently passed away. The family welcomed us warmly.
While we were having tea, the 7-year-old girl opened her box and took out the gifts one at a time, thanking us. The grandmother said that the children never received such gifts.
One 14-year-old was very happy, rejoicing over every gift, and thrilled to receive a pencil in his box. He had never received a gift.
Another family told us that their two children enjoy their gifts every day, and then return them to a special hiding place.
We have also made new friends through the distribution. One mother, a kindergarten teacher, said her family had never received a gift from a church. One day this teacher may become a member of our church!
Refugees from Ukraine also came and received shoebox gifts. War has forced these families to leave their homes. Parents found joy through the gifts their children received.
Children in another family told us that they prayed they would receive a Christmas gift, and they are now thanking God for the gift boxes they received at the church.
All the children are grateful—and so are we! Thank you, everyone who sends these wonderful gifts. They have blessed many families and our church as well.
*Name changed for security.
Please donate $12 for every shoebox you prepare. Your donations will help cover project costs, including shipping (make one combined donation for multiple shoeboxes). Consider making an additional donation to help Samaritan's Purse go beyond the shoebox and expand assistance to children, their families, and their communities. Samaritan's Purse does not provide receipts for the value of gift items included in a shoebox.