You will bless a child in

Burundi

Located in East Africa, Burundi has been known for centuries, in part, for its political instability and violence between the rival Hutu and Tutsi peoples. Samaritan’s Purse began distributing gift-filled shoeboxes to this nation’s children in 2008 and launched The Greatest Journey, our follow-up discipleship program, here in 2013.

Read Stories from the Field

In a very rural and remote village, a grandmother practiced witchcraft and secretly used her grandson in her “business.” This young boy, however, received an Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift and enrolled in The Greatest Journey follow-up discipleship program where he surrendered his life to the Lord Jesus Christ. This broke his grandmother’s power over his life and after learning that her spells no longer worked, she also became a believer and now regularly attends church.

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.

The Greatest Journey

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.