You will bless a child in

Uruguay

Uruguay is a country on the southeastern coast of South America. About half of the population lives in the metropolitan area of the capital, Montevideo. Spanish is the official language, and ethnic influences include Spanish, Italian, French, British, and South American indigenous people groups. Samaritan’s Purse began distributing gift-filled shoeboxes to these peoples in 2002 and launched The Greatest Journey, our follow-up discipleship program, in this nation in 2010.

Read a Story from the Field

Candelaria’s mother initially did not want her to participate in the Operation Christmas Child outreach event. But in the end, she let her 13-year-old attend and watched on the edges of the group as church leaders shared the Gospel and handed out the shoebox gifts to the children. God used that event to prompt Candelaria to give her heart to the Lord Jesus Christ—and her mother made the same life-changing decision! Today, their whole family has come to faith and they attend church together.

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.