MEXICO — A mother, daughter, and children in Acapulco, Mexico, praise God for the hope and joy they received through an Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift after their home was destroyed in a hurricane. Esmeralda: It was 10 pm. A hurricane was announced. A hurricane became more powerful. It became a category 5 hurricane. I… Continue reading Shoebox Gifts Remind Mexico’s Children that God Is Near
Tag: Children Around the World
Compassion International Selects Water Mission as Partner in New Global WASH Alliance Designed to Bring Holistic Care to Children and Families Experiencing Poverty
NORTH CHARLESTON, SC — Water Mission is partnering with Compassion International on a global safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) alliance through a pilot project initiating in Chimwenje, Malawi. The alliance will strive to bring holistic care to children and families experiencing poverty through safe water access. The newly piloted program will reach Chimwenje’s more… Continue reading Compassion International Selects Water Mission as Partner in New Global WASH Alliance Designed to Bring Holistic Care to Children and Families Experiencing Poverty
1 Million Meals, 5,000 Volunteers, 3 Days
PLYMOUTH, MI — In the face of staggering statistics revealing the devastating impact of preventable causes on millions of children worldwide, NorthRidge Church is joining forces with Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) to launch an ambitious initiative—packing 1 Million Meals over three days. Every year, children succumb to preventable causes such as pneumonia, diarrhea, malaria,… Continue reading 1 Million Meals, 5,000 Volunteers, 3 Days
Gifts Bring Joy to Israeli Children
ISRAEL — Samaritan’s Purse airlifted and distributed 24,000 boxes of gifts over Christmas for Israeli boys and girls. Ken Isaacs – Vice President of Programs & Government Relations Samaritan’s Purse: And today I’m in Moshavim, Israel. We brought 24,000 gifts into the country and we’re distributing them primarily in two of these regional council areas.… Continue reading Gifts Bring Joy to Israeli Children
New Book ‘What Are You Going to Do?’ Shares Inspiring Story of the Founding of Compassion International
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO — This January, a new book entitled “What Are You Going to Do?” shares the inspiring true story of Everett Swanson and the humble beginnings of the global Christian ministry Compassion International. In the fall of 1952, Rev. Everett Swanson flew from Chicago to South Korea to minister to American troops fighting… Continue reading New Book ‘What Are You Going to Do?’ Shares Inspiring Story of the Founding of Compassion International
Still Packing Shoeboxes and Serving the Lord at 98
GREENSBORO, NC — Packing shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child is one of the many activities Lela Mae Cummings enjoys in her still-active lifestyle at “98 and a half years old.” Leila Mae Cummings: I’m Leila Mae Cummings , and I’ve lived in the Guilford College area all my life. And I’m at Friends Home Guilford,… Continue reading Still Packing Shoeboxes and Serving the Lord at 98
Church International Made it a ‘Christmas to Remember’ for More Than 300 Children with Gift Giveaway
WARRIOR, AL — Church International hosted their inaugural gift giveaway for North Jefferson County residents on December 9, 2023. The event, titled Christmas on the Red Brick Street, benefitted countless families and more than 300 children who were in need of a little extra help this Christmas. Pastor Robin R. Bullock was thrilled to see… Continue reading Church International Made it a ‘Christmas to Remember’ for More Than 300 Children with Gift Giveaway
The Nation of Malawi is Experiencing the Fruit of Repentance
GOSHEN, IN — Reverend Brian Kamwendo, the Presidential Advisor on Religions Affairs in the African nation of Malawi, held a press conference at First Baptist Church Elkhart on Thursday, November 16, 2023. He was speaking on how Malawi is experiencing the fruit of repentance, the beginnings of which can be traced back to reviveINDIANA in… Continue reading The Nation of Malawi is Experiencing the Fruit of Repentance
West Africa Shines in Observance of World Orphans Day
NASHVILLE — Each year World Orphans Day™ is observed around the world on the ‘Second Monday in November,’ which was November 13, this year. The Stars Foundation™, a Nashville, TN based nonprofit, initiated this back in 2009, as a day devoted to empowering the Orphans and Displaced Children of the World, while uniting world leaders… Continue reading West Africa Shines in Observance of World Orphans Day
Ivanna’s Story: Hope in Honduras
HONDURAS — Ivanna, a 12-year-old girl in Honduras, shares how receiving an Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift gave her hope and introduced her to Christ’s love.
A Christian Club for Children in Poland
POLAND — An Operation Christmas Child volunteer in Poland started a Christian club for children who wanted to continue to meet for Bible study after they received shoebox gifts and graduated from The Greatest Journey. Wiestawa Szymczak – Volunteer: One day God laid it in my heart that if the children come to know Him… Continue reading A Christian Club for Children in Poland
Compassion International, Belmont Innovation Labs Pilot New Initiative to Support Visionary Entrepreneurs
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO — Yesterday, during Belmont University’s annual Hope Summit event, child development organization Compassion International and Belmont Innovation Labs announced a new partnership to pilot Impact Teams, groups of expert volunteers and mentors who will come alongside social innovators dedicated to addressing the world’s most formidable challenges. Impact Teams are designed to work… Continue reading Compassion International, Belmont Innovation Labs Pilot New Initiative to Support Visionary Entrepreneurs
Out of War: Girl Becomes TV Inspiration in Troubled Middle East
EASTON, MD — As a young girl, Christina Issa found a way to block out the horror of war raging in her homeland of Syria — by watching a faith-based television channel for kids, broadcast in her native Arabic. She never dreamed that a few years later she’d be a presenter on the same channel,… Continue reading Out of War: Girl Becomes TV Inspiration in Troubled Middle East
Elena’s Story: Offering Praise in Poland
POLAND — “The war started suddenly,” Elena, a fine arts teacher in Ukraine, said. “I prayed every day, ‘Lord, I trust in You. Give me strength, patience, and humility for this day.’” Soon, she and her daughter fled to Poland to escape the increasing violence. They arrived close to Easter and moved into a hotel… Continue reading Elena’s Story: Offering Praise in Poland
Compassion International Launches New ‘Hope Starts Here’ Experience
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO — Compassion International, a leading child development organization, is excited to announce the launch of its new “Hope Starts Here“ experience. Buoyed by compelling personal stories, “Hope Starts Here” is an immersive experience, transporting visitors to vulnerable communities where Compassion works. This free, family-friendly event is designed to inspire compassion and action… Continue reading Compassion International Launches New ‘Hope Starts Here’ Experience
U.S. Mission Spotlights Crisis of Ukraine’s ‘50,000 Social Orphans’
LOVES PARK, IL — The war in Ukraine has caused a dramatic surge in the number of “social orphans,” according to a U.S.-based organization responding to an escalating crisis of child abandonment. Ukrainian church leaders estimate there are as many as 50,000 “hidden” social orphans, children barely surviving under the radar who’ve been abandoned or… Continue reading U.S. Mission Spotlights Crisis of Ukraine’s ‘50,000 Social Orphans’
Jessica’s Story: From Doubt to Faith
MINYA, EGYPT — Jessica gave her life to Christ after receiving an Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift and attending The Greatest Journey course in her Egyptian village. When COVID shut down the churches, Jessica started her own discipleship group and led her friends to the Lord. Jessica – Shoebox Recipient: My name is Jessica and… Continue reading Jessica’s Story: From Doubt to Faith
Child Migrant Meets Christ by Reading the Bible Given to Him at the Camp
MATAMOROS, MEXICO — Thousands of migrants continue to arrive at the United States border seeking asylum. In an improvised migrant camp in Matamoros, Mexico, a gifted Bible changes the life of a Venezuelan child. Joseph Rendón: I learned that if one has confidence in God, everything is possible. The faith in Christ Jesus reaches the… Continue reading Child Migrant Meets Christ by Reading the Bible Given to Him at the Camp
Ukraine: ‘Kids of War’ Grapple with Trauma, Life-Changing Injuries
LOVES PARK, IL — Ten-year-old Maryna kneels beside her bed and prays for the war in Ukraine to end. For Maryna, the horrors of war have already left lifelong scars. Surgeons had to amputate her crushed leg after a shell exploded next to her home. Now she wears a prosthetic. Any loud noise brings her… Continue reading Ukraine: ‘Kids of War’ Grapple with Trauma, Life-Changing Injuries
Sowing Gospel Seeds in Colombia
CÚCUTA, COLOMBIA — Samaritan’s Purse is in Colombia helping Venezuelan migrants living in areas where there are limited resources. In these neighborhoods, they are teaching children how to read and write, and sowing seeds of the Gospel into their hearts. Tom Ovington – Samaritan’s Purse: Venezuela started to have extreme economic issues. And a lot… Continue reading Sowing Gospel Seeds in Colombia
Feed My Starving Children Celebrates 4 Billionth Meal, a Milestone in Global Hunger Relief Efforts
COON RAPIDS, MN — Feed My Starving Children (FMSC), a nonprofit organization committed to eradicating extreme hunger, celebrates the production of its 4 billionth meal. The milestone meal was packed on June 28 at a mobile packing event at the Minnesota Correctional Facility in Shakopee, Minnesota. Since its founding in 1987, FMSC has been driven… Continue reading Feed My Starving Children Celebrates 4 Billionth Meal, a Milestone in Global Hunger Relief Efforts
Restoring Childhoods in Afghanistan
AFGHANISTAN —A special needs school in Kabul in Afghanistan is using play, sports and arts to help heal traumatized kids who have lost their childhoods. The project is supported by Christian charity CRY. A school project supported by Christian charity Cry is restoring the lost childhoods of special needs kids in Kabul in Afghanistan. Cry’s… Continue reading Restoring Childhoods in Afghanistan
Healed Hearts Together in Bolivia
BOLIVIA — A young Bolivian mother and her daughter suffered from the same fatal heart condition. With only years to live, they received lifesaving surgery through the Children’s Heart Project run by Samaritan’s Purse. Fatima Ramos Cardozo – Children’s Heart Project Recipient: It is very difficult to learn your child is very sick. Especially… Continue reading Healed Hearts Together in Bolivia
Destiny Grace Academy Empowers Sierra Leone’s Next Generation
SIERRA LEONE — As Sierra Leone faces extreme poverty and high rates of illiteracy, Christian school Destiny Grace Academy is teaching hundreds of children, who’ve been rescued from the slums of the capital city of Freetown, to be the country’s next generation of leaders. A Christian-run school in war-torn Sierra Leone has provided life-changing education… Continue reading Destiny Grace Academy Empowers Sierra Leone’s Next Generation
Child Evangelism Fellowship Aims to Reach 100 Million Children with the Gospel
ST. LOUIS — Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF), one of the world’s leading child evangelism organizations, is reemphasizing its commitment to the Great Commission with a new slate of ambitious goals. CEF has been called by God to make it their highest priority to present the Gospel so children may be discipled in God’s Word. Their… Continue reading Child Evangelism Fellowship Aims to Reach 100 Million Children with the Gospel
Good News and Great Joy for Namibia
NAMIBIA — As God works through Operation Christmas Child to reach the remote Himba tribe in Namibia, southwest Africa, they are hearing, believing, embracing, and sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. Pastor Rizera Hipakua – Volunteer: Jesus Christ is my Savior. He’s my personal Savior. I really love Jesus. I want to follow Jesus… Continue reading Good News and Great Joy for Namibia
Ukraine: Desperate Times Lead to Surge in Summer Bible Camps
LOVES PARK, IL — The Ukraine war and growing desperation in hard times are driving a surge in the number of children expected to flock to Bible camps this summer across the former Soviet Union, a region once steeped in atheism. Amid fears the Ukraine conflict could escalate at any moment, Illinois-based Slavic Gospel Association… Continue reading Ukraine: Desperate Times Lead to Surge in Summer Bible Camps
Faith Communities Unite in Prayer for Abused Children
HARLINGEN, TX — Blue Sunday Child Abuse Prevention Initiative, a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect, is calling on communities across the country to recognize the annual Blue Sunday Day of Prayer for Abused Children on April 30th. Since 1994, Blue Sunday has been raising awareness about the devastating effects of child… Continue reading Faith Communities Unite in Prayer for Abused Children
Evacuating Children from East Ukraine
UKRAINE — Throughout the war in Ukraine, Great Commission Media Ministries has coordinated the evacuating of many children and families from some of the worst-hit parts of the East of the country. Here’s just one story of how Hannu Haukka and his team rescued Andrei’s family and many others from near Mariupol and brought them… Continue reading Evacuating Children from East Ukraine
Nashville Predators and Country Superstars Partner with Compassion International
NASHVILLE — No child, no matter where they live, should have to face hunger and malnutrition. Unfortunately this is the tragic reality for millions of children around the world. In just two years, food insecurity has doubled to affect 276 million people. In 2021, 22% of children under age five experienced stunted development from malnutrition… Continue reading Nashville Predators and Country Superstars Partner with Compassion International
Russia, Ukraine Orphans ‘At Risk of Organized Crime Recruitment’
LOVES PARK, IL — Thousands of abandoned and unwanted orphans in orphanages across Russia, Ukraine and the former Soviet countries are highly vulnerable to recruitment by organized crime groups, a U.S. mission agency says. “When children turn 18 they age out of the orphanages and have to fend for themselves,” said Michael Johnson, president of… Continue reading Russia, Ukraine Orphans ‘At Risk of Organized Crime Recruitment’
‘Love Bomb’ Weekend Raises Over $200,000 for Ukraine and Uganda Children in Need
ALBUQUERQUE — Calvary Church’s Reload Love ministry raised over $208,000 during its annual “Love Bomb” weekend (Feb. 11 and 12), with proceeds benefitting the ministry’s 2023 highlighted project: children caught in the crossfire of the yearlong conflict in Ukraine and decade-long civil war in South Sudan. Hundreds of people joined Calvary Church at their flagship… Continue reading ‘Love Bomb’ Weekend Raises Over $200,000 for Ukraine and Uganda Children in Need
Celebration for Record Number of Children Reached During Christmas 2022
WARRENTON, MO — The world’s largest mission organization dedicated to children celebrated a record number of children reached in its 2022 world-wide, in-person Christmas Party Clubs. Hundreds of Zoom connections and YouTube attendees facilitated representatives from countries around the world to join the International Headquarters staff of Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) on Friday, February 10th,… Continue reading Celebration for Record Number of Children Reached During Christmas 2022
Ukraine War Accelerates Orphan Crisis
LOVES PARK, IL — The war in Ukraine is accelerating an orphan crisis in the embattled nation and neighboring Russia, a U.S. mission agency says. Children are being swept up in the turmoil in Ukraine and taken to overcrowded orphanages miles away across borders, often separated from family members desperately searching for them, says Illinois-based… Continue reading Ukraine War Accelerates Orphan Crisis
Erdembayar’s Story: A New Purpose in Life in Mongolia
MONGOLIA — Erdembayar, a boy in Mongolia, tired easily and couldn’t participate in physical activities with his friends. After he underwent heart surgery arranged by Samaritan’s Purse, he gained new energy and could actively play like other kids. More importantly, he and his mother both trusted Christ as their Savior. Now, Erdembayar wants to become… Continue reading Erdembayar’s Story: A New Purpose in Life in Mongolia
Elizabeth’s Story: Gospel Seeds Planted in Ukraine
UKRAINE — Elizabeth Groff praises God for the Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift she received while living in an orphanage in Ukraine. It softened her heart for the Gospel to take hold. Elizabeth Groff: When I was about one year old, my father was killed. After his passing my mom just really could not deal… Continue reading Elizabeth’s Story: Gospel Seeds Planted in Ukraine
SAT-7 Spotlights Top 5 ‘Evolving Crises’ in Middle East in 2023
EASTON, MD — A U.S. organization focused on the Middle East and North Africa is casting the spotlight on what it calls the region’s top 5 “evolving crises” at the start of 2023. With the world’s gaze fixed on Ukraine-Russia and muscle-flexing in China, “seismic events unfolding in the Middle East are simply off the… Continue reading SAT-7 Spotlights Top 5 ‘Evolving Crises’ in Middle East in 2023
Children Discipling Children in Suriname
SURINAME — Charahja began teaching the discipleship course The Greatest Journey to other children in her native Suriname on the northeastern coast of South America. When she was just 14 years old. Working with her mother, the two are passionate about seeing children reached with the Good News of Jesus Christ. Charahja Van Broekhoven –… Continue reading Children Discipling Children in Suriname
Franklin Graham Thanks God for How Operation Christmas Child Has Grown
CHARLOTTE, NC — Celebrating the 200 millionth shoebox gift collected since 1993, Franklin Graham encouraged staff and volunteers at the Charlotte Processing Center this Christmas. These shoeboxes represent opportunities to tell boys and girls about the Lord Jesus Christ, God’s Greatest Gift. Franklin Graham – Samaritan’s Purse CEO and President: 29 years ago right here… Continue reading Franklin Graham Thanks God for How Operation Christmas Child Has Grown
Shoebox Gifts Impact Mongolian Family
BAYANKHONGOR, MONGOLIA — Baljinnyam praises God for the Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift he received when he was 13 in Mongolia. Through that gift, he gave his life to Christ. Now, Baljinnyam is an adult and saw his young daughter receive her own shoebox and learn more about Jesus. Baljinnyam: My name is Baljinnyam. I… Continue reading Shoebox Gifts Impact Mongolian Family
Great Joy in Ohio Through Operation Christmas Child
WADSWORTH, OHIO — Kristel and Matt Stone praise God for the thousands of Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts they have been able to pack at their Ohio farm over the years with help from family and friends. They are grateful that, through these gifts, boys and girls in need around the world are hearing the… Continue reading Great Joy in Ohio Through Operation Christmas Child
Gospel for Asia: Child Sponsorship — Does it Lift the Young Out of Poverty?
WILLS POINT, TX – GFA World (Gospel for Asia) founded by K.P. Yohannan, which inspired numerous charities like GFA World Canada, to assist the poor and deprived worldwide, issued this Special Report on Child Sponsorship — Does it Lift the Young Out of Poverty? In existence for many years, child sponsorship has been adapted by… Continue reading Gospel for Asia: Child Sponsorship — Does it Lift the Young Out of Poverty?
Shoebox Gifts Bring Joy to Deaf Children in Namibia
NAMIBIA — The classroom was quiet as deaf Namibian boys and girls opened their Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes. There were no squeals of excitement or chattering, no shouting for friends to come and look at the fun gifts inside their shoebox. The Operation Christmas Child outreach event marked the first time that most of the… Continue reading Shoebox Gifts Bring Joy to Deaf Children in Namibia
U.S. Charity Aims to Bring Hope to 60,000 Children, Orphans in Ukraine, Russia This Christmas
LOVES PARK, IL — A U.S.-based Christian charity is ramping up its efforts to bring hope to more than 60,000 children and orphans across Ukraine, Russia and the former Soviet Union this Christmas – 10,000 more children than last year. The huge-scale, church-led Immanuel’s Child outreach supported by Illinois-based Slavic Gospel Association (SGA, www.sga.org) gives… Continue reading U.S. Charity Aims to Bring Hope to 60,000 Children, Orphans in Ukraine, Russia This Christmas
Edouard’s Story: A Perfect Picture of God’s Love
SENEGAL — Edouard Ndecky realized how much God loved him when he received an Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift when he was growing up in Senegal. Now, Edouard lives in the U.S. and encourages others to prayerfully pack shoeboxes so that other boys and girls in need will receive a tangible expression of God’s love… Continue reading Edouard’s Story: A Perfect Picture of God’s Love
Public School Bible Program Experiences ‘Fishes and Loaves’ Growth
BEDFORD, TX — When the pandemic threatened to shut the doors of a 19-year-old afterschool Bible program serving grades 3-6 public school children, it took to the airwaves in the tradition of Sesame Street with shows that “reflect the character of Christ.” With its second season now airing on Pureflix, the KiDs Beach Club (KBC)… Continue reading Public School Bible Program Experiences ‘Fishes and Loaves’ Growth
Thousands Encounter God at ‘This Is The Day’ Worship Event in Budapest
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY — Tens of thousands of people came together July 23 at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest in Hungary for a major worship event called This Is The Day. The goal was for believers to lift up the name of Jesus in a display of Christian unity as one family. Originally scheduled for 2020,… Continue reading Thousands Encounter God at ‘This Is The Day’ Worship Event in Budapest
Children in Benin Hear the Gospel Through Simple Shoebox Gifts
BENIN, AFRICA — Nine-year-old Gladys flashed a big smile as she recounted the day she received an Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift. It all started with a friend’s invitation. “You have to go to my church,” her friend, Kemi, told her. “There are good things going on, and I want you to hear the Word… Continue reading Children in Benin Hear the Gospel Through Simple Shoebox Gifts
Ukraine War Kids, ‘Forgotten Children’ to Taste Joy at Summer Camps
LOVES PARK, IL — A U.S.-based mission to the former Soviet Union aims to help give 50,000 disadvantaged boys and girls a “life-changing” summer camp experience this year, including children suffering because of the war in Ukraine. Illinois-based Slavic Gospel Association (SGA, www.sga.org) partners with thousands of local churches across the vast region to provide… Continue reading Ukraine War Kids, ‘Forgotten Children’ to Taste Joy at Summer Camps
695,699 Young People, Kids from Rwanda Respond to the Call of Jesus
KIGALI, RWANDA — During the Spring of 2022, Christ for All Nations (CfaN) evangelism teams held more than 1,145 Kids Crusades throughout Kigali, Rwanda, in just nine weeks. The staggering number of outreaches yielded tremendous fruit as 695,699 young people chose to make Jesus their Lord and Savior. Jimmy Walsh – Bootcamp Graduate: In the… Continue reading 695,699 Young People, Kids from Rwanda Respond to the Call of Jesus