Operation Christmas Child

Moldova

Location: Eastern Europe, northeast of Romania
Population: 3,364,496, with 18% with under the age of 15 (source – CIA The World Factbook)

Thank you for sending Good News and great joy to children living in Moldova! Your shoebox gift was one of 37,552 sent to Moldova from the UK this season.

We thank God for the thousands of children that have received shoeboxes here since Operation Christmas Child began distributions. While we are not able to provide pictures or information on the specific child who received your individual shoebox, we hope you will be inspired by the photos and stories below.

Children Receiving Shoebox Gifts in Moldova

children with shoebox gifts in Moldova 2020
Boy outside smiles with shoebox gift
girl in hat, smiles with shoebox gift
children with shoebox gifts in Moldova 2020
child with open shoebox smiles
girl smiles with shoebox gift
children in masks opening shoebox gifts
little girl and mum with shoebox
family on cart with shoebox gifts

Stories From Moldova

National Leadership Team Volunteer Mihai, was keen to pass on his thanks to the wonderfully kind people who pack shoebox gifts each year:

“Our country treasures the close partnership with Samaritan’s Purse. We are so thankful for the donations and all those who pack the shoeboxes full of love which then come to the children in our country.”

One Girl’s Shoebox Joy!

This little girl was delighted to receive a Barbie doll and many other treasures in her shoebox gift, but what made it extra special was a note and photo from the little girl her age who packed it for her. It read ‘To my special friend, you are the best in the whole world, from Skye.’

The Greatest Journey Programme in 2020

Before the pandemic, believers in Moldova reached out into the countryside to hand out shoebox gifts on Christmas Day. The village children were excited by their gifts and they also were eager to get involved in The Greatest Journey. After eight weeks, their classes were shut down by COVID-19 outbreaks. But our volunteer teachers were determined to complete the course. Finally, restrictions were lifted and classes resumed in the summer and children graduated and received their own Bibles in the Romanian language. Many of them received Christ as their Saviour and prayerfully shared the Gospel with friends and family. Through their witness, several of their grandmothers started coming to church and also have given their hearts to Jesus.

A Snapshot Of Shoebox Joy From Our Partners Mihai & Lena In Moldova

Our Local Partners

Operation Christmas Child invests in building National Leadership Teams made up of trained local volunteers and staff within over 100 countries. These teams then work alongside many Regional Leadership Teams who in turn train local church leaders and teachers. In Moldova 10 teams are working with 330 ministry partners (teams of volunteers in local churches) to make Operation Christmas Child and The Greatest Journey possible each year!

The Greatest Journey

Each shoebox gift delivered by Operation Christmas Child is a tangible expression of God’s amazing love. But a shoebox is just the beginning. After receiving a shoebox gift, children have the opportunity to enrol in The Greatest Journey – 12 fun and interactive Bible lessons, where they get the chance to discover who Jesus is and how to begin their own journey of faith. At the end of the course they get to experience a graduation ceremony where they receive a New Testament in their own language.

The Greatest Journey is taught by local volunteers who have been trained to deliver the programme. It is offered free of charge, without obligation and with the consent of the child’s parent or guardian. Over 99,891 children in Moldova have enrolled in this programme since it started.

You can be a part of helping us “go and make disciples of all nations” as Jesus commanded. Sign up for a monthly gift of £5, and each year you will give 12 children study materials, a New Testament, and the opportunity to share their faith with family and friends. Learn more

Thank You

Thank you so much for packing a shoebox gift and sending love and hope to a child in need. Your generosity makes such a difference!

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