OCC Central Asia
Shoe box gifts were first delivered to Central Asia in 1998. Since then, more than 1,548,299 children in the region have received a gift. In the 2011-2012 season, more than 43,000 gifts will be distributed to children in this region.
It is encouraging to hear from church partners in Central Asia as they faithfully minister to children and their families in spite of all the challenges and dangers they face.
Even in the face of persecution, Christian leaders continue to take a stand for Christ, realizing that the message of hope contained in each shoe box gift makes an eternal impact on a child’s life.
View the OCC Central Asia Gallery
A Present from God
From a ministry partner: "We cannot preach outside of the church. We can’t preach outside openly. We can’t give Bibles to people on the street. But when we give people a shoe box, we can share why we are doing it. We tell them it is a present from God to you because He loves you. We invite the children to church and share the Gospel with them when they visit."
Spreading Joy
On a recent trip volunteers shared a story about a ministry partner who had befriended a single mother of two kids who lives in her neighborhood. The mother strives hard to be a good mother but only sees her kids for a few hours a day as she works long hours. Her life is hard, and she wants so badly for her children to feel and experience joy and happiness. After a time of getting to know the family and sharing Christ with the mother, this ministry partner surprised the children with OCC gifts. The children shouted with pleasure and were so happy to receive something new. The mother was just as excited and happy for her children and later told the friend that she now understood what the friend had been sharing with her all along.
PRAYER REQUESTS
Pray for favor with local authorities as believers in Central Asia are under increasing pressure from the government.
Pray for new volunteer National Leadership Team members to arise.
Pray for insight and endurance for the volunteer National Leadership Team Coordinator as the Operation Christmas Child project starts afresh in a new part of Central Asia.
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