No Longer a Tradition
My family has been involved with Operation Christmas Child for 30 years--before I was born. Packing shoeboxes was a fun tradition we looked forward to every year. When I had the chance to work at the OCC processing centers, a desire grew in me to go overseas and participate in a shoebox distribution. I called this dream an "unofficial bucket list item," because I knew the odds of it happening were slim.
In August 2024, I traveled to Ukraine to spend time with my parents. I learned we might have an opportunity to attend a shoebox distribution, but I didn't want to get my hopes up. After about two weeks of waiting to hear if there would be an event, the OCC regional director--an acquantaince of my dad--invited us to participate in a distribution! So we loaded up in the car and drove to an outer region of Kyiv.
We met a local pastor named Oxana, who was directing the event. She thoroughly explained how the evening would play out with registration, singing and dancing, a presentation of The Greatest Story, and finally the distribution. Oxana enthusiastically called and waved many women over for introductions. Every single one came to be involved in the church and/or become an OCC volunteer by attending The Greatest Journey, a 12-week discipleship program for children. Many of these women are moms and internationally displaced persons due to the war.
One woman we met was a former professional witch, who realized her spells brought suffering upon herself and her family. Another came to relationship with the Lord a full 5 years after her children attended an OCC event. An older woman—75 years of age—cares for the grandparents who attend shoebox distributions.
120 curious boys and girls piled on bean bags in front of the stage as parents and grandparents stood close by. The adults listened just as intently to the message as their children did. Oxana emphasized to us how important it is to reach the adults, because children are more likely to attend and stay in the church if their parents become involved.
I was overwhelmed with joy by the things I saw and could not keep from crying on and off during the event. At its conclusion, several children and parents thanked us and shyly requested hugs. One young girl came up with a toy in her hand and told me, “I love you. This is a very nice gift.”
Oh, my heart.
Everyone was so welcoming toward us and happy we were there. I hope they know what a blessing and honor it was to spend time with them. To hear their stories of redemption and the freedom they found in Jesus. I may never see any of them again, but I’m thrilled that we all get to spend eternity together with Christ.
A pastor from a nearby village came to the distribution for the first time. He had heard of the shoebox ministry but was slightly skeptical and wanted to see it for himself. When it ended, he thanked us and said he wanted to do whatever was needed to take the program to the northeastern and southeastern borders of Ukraine, where he has a ministry that is specifically for children whose fathers are soldiers fighting in the war. He explained that these children live daily in fear and despair.
After attending the distribution, I realize that packing shoeboxes is no longer a tradition—it’s a necessity. Lives are being changed through these gifts—hearts won for the Gospel. The joy on the parents’ and children’s faces is so evident when they open those shoeboxes, filled not only with toys, school supplies, and clothes but also hope.