Jessica fixed her eyes shyly on the dusty ground as a red cape was placed around her shoulders. Next came the finishing touch—a red tasseled cap for her head. She received a reassuring grin from her sister, Tanya, who was standing next to her waiting to be similarly outfitted.

After Tanya, it was little brother Andre’ turn. The 6 year old wasn’t quite sure what all the fuss was about, but he stood still as he was assisted him with his garments. His sisters Miriam and Michelle followed, each in turn accepting the cape and the red cap.

Their mother, Carmen Yugcha, proudly watched the proceedings with a happy and thankful heart. This was a significant event for her family. Five of Carmen’s seven children had recently completed the Operation Christmas Child follow-up discipleship program. Each of them had received Jesus Christ as their Savior during the previous two months.

“My children have been blessed to participate in the Bible studies,” said Carmen, a widow who earns $5 a day washing laundry. “They love to read God’s Word.”

More than 90 boys and girls attended the September graduation ceremony at a soccer field in Yurac Alpaloma, a squatter settlement on the outskirts of Quito, Ecuador’s capital city. The children came forward two or three at a time to receive their bright red capes and tasseled caps. Each child was helped into their graduation attire, and then handed a certificate and a Spanish New Testament.

For the Yugcha children and other youth from the village, this day was the culmination of a 10-week Bible study course taught at their church, Jerusalem Baptist.

“I learned a lot about God and how much He loves me,” Jessica said as she held the small Bible in her hand.

Since 1999, Operation Christmas Child has provided materials to local churches as a follow-up discipelship course for boys and girls who receive shoe box gifts. Children in more than 70 countries have enrolled in the course, and over 2 million have made deci¬sions to receive Jesus Christ as Savior.

More than 25,000 children in Ecuador have graduated from the discipleship program during the past four years. After hearing the Gospel message, some 20,000 boys and girls asked Jesus to be their Savior.

Miguel Pumisacho came to Yurac Alpaloma four years ago to share the Gospel. People were suspicious of the pastor at first, thinking he was hired by the owners of the hillside tract to recoup the land from the squatters. But four families listened to his message and responded by receiving Christ. They invited him to lead Bible studies in their homes.

The delivery of Operation Christmas Child shoe box gifts paved the way for ministry to more families. The discipleship program was offered in the community, and 52 children completed the Bible lessons. Many of the parents also began making decisions for Christ, and the small band of worshipers grew.

“In the past year or so, numerous changes have occurred in the community,” Pumisacho said. “Before, there was little harmony among the people; they often argued and fought over possession of the land. Now the neighbors have begun to care for and help one another. The young people of the area and many adults are now excited about participating in regular church meetings. Because of the work with the children, and the changes in this neighborhood, the surrounding communities have begun to be willing to share access to electricity and water. Yurac Alpaloma is now a more recognized community.”

Operation Christmas Child returned for a second shoe box distribution, and more than 100 boys and girls enrolled in the discipleship program. Some of the young people who had participated in the first round were given the opportunity to help teach the lessons.

Many of the people who have accepted Christ are active members in Jerusalem Baptist, including Carmen and her children. These faithful believers are now planning to start a second church in the community.

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Samaritan's Purse , Ecuador , Operation Christmas Child , An Eternal Harvest