Operation Christmas Child, the largest world’s largest Christmas project of its kind, is best known for the shoebox gifts received by children in over 100 countries worldwide. Though fewer people know of the eternal impact that the shoebox gifts have.

As thousands of churches begin to order their 2018 Operation Christmas Child resources, they will hear more about The Greatest Journey, the 12 Bible lessons offered by many of the churches distributing shoeboxes.

Nick Cole, Director of Operation Christmas Child UK, explains how the project helps churches overseas share the Gospel.

“When the shoebox gifts are sent overseas they are passed on to local churches, who are then equipped and trained in presenting The Greatest Journey Bible lessons. Where church partners assess it’s appropriate in their local culture, they invite children receiving the shoebox gift to come and learn about Jesus. For Samaritan’s Purse, it is important that what we do builds the local church.”

During the 12 fun and interactive Bible lessons, children get the chance to discover who Jesus is and how to begin their own journey of faith. It’s offered free of charge, requires the consent of a parent or guardian, and there is no obligation linked to the gift the children have already received. Since 2009, over six million children around the world have discovered Jesus through The Greatest Journey, and millions now own a New Testament Bible in their own language.

“As a result,” Cole said, “lives are being changed for eternity and new churches are springing up in communities across the globe”.

Samaritan’s Purse is encouraging UK churches, who would otherwise be unable to support churches overseas, to consider Operation Christmas Child and The Greatest Journey.

“Most UK churches love to share the new life and hope of Jesus with others, but not every church has the resources to send missionaries overseas,” Cole said.

With a goal of collecting 11 million shoebox gifts in 2018, millions of children globally will hear the Gospel.

Churches can order their 2018 Operation Christmas Child resources today, beginning their ministry of supporting churches overseas, by visiting www.operationchristmaschild.co.uk

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Notes to editors:
Operation Christmas Child is a year-round global effort by Samaritan’s Purse, a Christian organisation providing church support and emergency relief to suffering people around the world.
Last year Samaritan’s Purse UK was able to gift over 678,000 shoeboxes to needy children around the world. Globally 11 million boxes were distributed in more than 100 countries.

Media Enquiries:
For further information, pictures, or to arrange interviews please contact

David Taylor
david.taylor@samaritans-purse.org.uk
07825 056 426