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 &#

Mongolia is located in northern Asia between Russia and China. Its pasturelands make livestock herding a common occupation. A traditional Mongolian dwelling is called a ger (yurt), a circular tent-like structure made of wood and canvas. Samaritan’s Purse began distributing gift-filled shoeboxes there in 1996 and launched The Greatest Journey, our follow-up discipleship program, in…

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…

Guinea is located on the West African coast and borders five other nations. It is known for its three major rivers as well the possession of a significant portion of the world’s bauxite, the main ingredient in aluminum. Iron, gold, and diamonds are also harvested here. In 1999, Samaritan’s Purse began hosting Operation Christmas Child…

Sierra Leone is located on the coast of West Africa, next to Liberia and Guinea. In addition to being a gold, diamond, and bauxite mining hub, it is also rich with wildlife. Hippopotamuses and crocodiles (including rare miniature versions of these species) reside in its rivers together with manatees. Large game such as elephants, lions,…