Located in southern Africa, Eswatini is one of the world’s remaining absolute monarchies. Formerly Swaziland, the nation is known today as an exporter of sugar. Samaritan’s Purse began delivering Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts to children in this nation in 1999. Later in 2011, we started offering The Greatest Journey, our follow-up discipleship program designed…

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…

Bordering the southwestern United States, Mexico is known for its tacos, avocados, and chocolate. More important than these signature items, however, are the millions of children who reside here. Samaritan’s Purse began distributing gift-filled shoeboxes to them in 1995 and launched The Greatest Journey, our follow-up discipleship program, in this nation in 2010. Learn More…

Located in Central America, Guatemala is known for its tourism and production of sugar, coffee, and bananas. Samaritan’s Purse began delivering Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts to children here in 1997. Since 2009, we have also offered The Greatest Journey, our follow-up discipleship program, to these shoebox recipients. Read Stories from the Field Jaki and…

Located in West Africa, the Ivory Coast is a significant exporter of cocoa beans. Otherwise known as Cote d’Ivoire, the nation’s tropical rainforests include African mahogany and teak. Samaritan’s Purse began delivering Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts to children here in 2000 and a year later, we began offering The Greatest Journey, our follow-up discipleship…

Located in South America, Chile is the world’s longest country with nearly 4,000 miles of coastline stretching from north to south. Samaritan’s Purse began delivering Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts to children here in 2003, and we have also offered The Greatest Journey, our follow-up discipleship program for shoebox recipients, in Chile since 2009. Read…

Thailand is in Southeast Asia. Formerly known as Siam, the country consists, in part, of over 1,000 islands. Samaritan’s Purse began distributing gift-filled shoeboxes there in 1997 and launched The Greatest Journey, our follow-up discipleship program, in this nation in 2012. View Stories from the Field New Faith in Ancient Land &#

Many people think of the Pacific Islands as paradise, populated with luxurious hotels located oceanfront on pristine white sandy beaches. And some are. But hundreds more are home to people who struggle daily just to survive, including over half a million children. Starting in 2019, Samaritan’s Purse began distributing gift-filled shoeboxes to children who live…

Moldova is located in Eastern Europe between Ukraine and Romania. Just slightly larger than the state of Maryland, the nation came into being in 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Moldova is known for its ancient monasteries, but also, sadly, as one of the poorest countries in Europe. Samaritan’s Purse began hosting Operation…