Operation Christmas Child: A Global Mission of Love

Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has been delivering shoeboxes filled with toys, school supplies and hygiene items to children in more than 170 countries and territories. These shoeboxes, often the first gift many children have ever received, offer a tangible expression of God’s love. But the ministry doesn’t stop there.

The follow-up discipleship program, The Greatest Journey, is a dynamic 12-lesson course designed to teach children about the love of Jesus Christ. Since its launch in 2009, 40.5 million children have enrolled in the course and over 20.2 million have made the life-changing decision to accept Jesus as their Savior. This is not just about giving gifts; it’s about sharing the greatest gift of all: the message of hope and salvation.

This year, we filled and returned 2,938 shoeboxes, with a box return rate of 85% across all campuses! A special shout-out to our Apple Valley campus, which had an all-time record of 1,042 shoeboxes!

A few River Valley Campuses served as official drop-off locations during National Collection Week (November 18-25). This means they not only collected shoeboxes from our own congregation but also welcomed contributions from other churches, organizations and individuals across the region.

During this week, volunteers served in shifts, receiving shoeboxes, organizing them and preparing them for transport to the next official collection site. They helped ensure that the shoeboxes could continue their journey to children who will experience the joy of receiving a gift and hearing the gospel.

Thank you to all of the volunteers who helped make a difference around the world through Operation Christmas Child!

As we reflect on this year’s Operation Christmas Child, we are reminded that the mission of Operation Christmas Child is ongoing. Every shoebox sent and every child reached is an opportunity to share the gospel and spread God’s love.