Central Asia
More than 42,900 shoebox gifts packed in the UK in 2025 are now bringing joy to children in Central Asia! In places where sharing the Gospel is restricted, the shoeboxes you packed online have enabled special access—opening doors for the love of Jesus to be shared through local partners.
To the thousands who receive them, these gift-filled boxes are a powerful symbol of hope and love.
Due to ongoing political and religious sensitivities in some parts of Central Asia, it’s important we prioritise the safety of our partners operating in restricted areas. Therefore, we are unfortunately not able to disclose details about the specific country your shoebox was sent to. Wherever it’s landed, please know that the precious child who receives your gift will be truly blessed.
Below, we’ve shared some of our favourite videos, photos, and stories from the wider Asia region. We pray it encourages your heart to see the difference that shoeboxes like yours make.
Shoebox gifts bring Good News and great joy to Mongolia!
A local church partner leads the distribution of gifts for these boys and girls.
Simple stuffed toys bring much-needed joy and comfort.
These children were led in a prayer after they received their shoebox gifts.
This precious boy was thrilled with his new art supplies!
Each shoebox is given along with a copy of The Greatest Gift—a simple, child-friendly Gospel presentation.
Villagers Surprised by Joy!
“The parents, the town hall staff, the mayors, and so forth were so surprised and kept repeating to us ‘it is the very first time something like that is happening in our villages’ ”.
—Operation Christmas Child local partner
Shoebox Joys for Shepherd Boys!
On his way to a ministry meeting, Yusif*, an Operation Christmas Child partner in Central Asia, met two brothers, aged 5 and 7, tending their family’s sheep. “In this region, even young boys have to work hard to survive,” he explained.
Yusif stopped to give each child a shoebox gift and a copy of The Greatest Gift Gospel booklet. “The boys got excited because no one ever gave them gifts,” he said. “The Lord sent us into their reality to say that He loves them.” Read full story.
*Name changed for security purposes.
What Happens After the Shoebox?
After receiving their shoebox gift, children can enrol in The Greatest Journey—12 fun and interactive Bible lessons—where they have the opportunity to discover who Jesus is, begin their journey of faith, and receive a New Testament in their own language. Watch the video below to see how The Greatest Journey changing lives in Mongolia.
Note: The Greatest Journey is offered free of charge, without obligation, and with the consent of the child’s parent or guardian.
Learn More About The Greatest Journey!
