You will bless a child in

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is located in southern Africa. The Zambezi River forms a natural boundary with Zambia. The river’s Victoria Falls forms one of the world’s largest waterfalls. There are 16 official languages in the country, including 13 minority languages. Samaritan’s Purse began distributing gift-filled shoeboxes to these peoples in 2000 and launched The Greatest Journey, our follow-up discipleship program, in this nation in 2010.

Read Stories from the Field

In a farming community, Rejoice, 10, grew up with the stigma of disease. She is HIV-positive, and so are both of her parents. Rejoice had no family or friends who cared for her. “I was never remembered by anyone, let alone with a gift or present—not even on my birthday,” she said. When she received an Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift, she burst into tears. Through the gift, she realized that God really loves her! She also felt the love of the person who sent it to her, even though she does not know them. She is now convinced that God has not forgotten her!

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.