You will bless a child in

Central African Republic

Located in the middle of the continent, the Central African Republic is a poor nation despite its significant mineral resources. Samaritan’s Purse started delivering Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts here in 2005 and later in 2010 began offering The Greatest Journey, our follow-up discipleship program, to children in this nation.

Read Stories from the Field

At the age of 2, Schella in the Central African Republic was disabled with polio. Later as a 12-year-old, she was invited to attend an Operation Christmas Child outreach event at a local church. After receiving her shoebox gift full of treasures, she enrolled in The Greatest Journey discipleship program where she accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior.

“I finally discovered through The Greatest Journey that God loves me so much despite my disability,” Schella said. “I also discovered in Lesson 11 that God will reward those who have spoken of Him to others. I, too, want to talk about Jesus to those who have not yet received Him. This is a firm decision for me, and I will do it all my life.” God used The Greatest Journey to transform Schella. Although previously angry because of her disability, she is now joyful and quick to forgive others.

Pray for Your Shoebox Recipient

“Whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”—Matthew 21:22

Please don’t stop praying for the boy or girl that you first lifted up when you packed your shoebox. Continue to ask God to soften his or her heart to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, so that he or she will follow Him all the days of their life. Pray also for families and entire communities to be transformed as God’s love is shared through your simple gift.

La Gran Aventura

After your shoebox gift delights a boy or girl, you can give them the opportunity to participate in The Greatest Journey.

Taught by trained local teachers, this 12-lesson discipleship program shows children how to follow Christ and share Him with others. As boys and girls share the Scripture stories they learn in class, their friends and family come to faith—growing churches, starting new congregations, and transforming communities by the power of the Gospel.

Send a child on The Greatest Journey for just $6!

Record Where Your Shoebox Went

Our Follow Your Box Map is specifically designed for you to keep track over multiple years where your shoebox gifts have blessed children in need.

Consider displaying one in your church or home as a reminder to pray for the boys and girls who have been blessed by your generosity.