You will bless a child in

Republic of the Congo

The Republic of the Congo is located in central Africa. The equator crosses through the country, lush with tropical rainforests. The world’s deepest river (at more than 700 feet) is the Congo, which serves as a border between the Republic of the Congo and the neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo. Samaritan’s Purse began distributing gift-filled shoeboxes there in 2007 and launched The Greatest Journey, our follow-up discipleship program, in this nation in 2010.

Read Stories from the Field

After experiencing God’s love through a shoebox gift and learning how to follow Him through The Greatest Journey discipleship course, one shoebox recipient began reaching out to a group of street children who were involved with drugs. He approached the group’s leader with his ball and asked if they were interested in playing with him. But the leader promptly pushed the boy away and took the ball. The boy said as he left, “Jesus Christ loves you very much, and He is able to forgive you.”

That night, the leader did not sleep well and heard the boy’s words repeated to him four times during the night: “Jesus Christ loves you very much, and He is able to forgive you.” In the morning, he spoke with the boy’s father who also told him about the love of the Lord Jesus Christ. God used this conversation to prompt the leader to become a believer and be baptized. He brought two other street children to join him in learning about Jesus as well!

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.