I grew up in the coastal town of La Ceiba, Honduras, where Hurricane Mitch hit late in 1998. I remember my mom woke me before the sun was up and said we had to flee to a friend’s house in the mountains or we would die. When we got there, we shared a small house with five other families. I grew very sick with respiratory problems during that time. Eventually, bridges were reconstructed so we could go back to our house in La Ceiba. It was damaged, but many other people lost their homes.

In 1999, my dad, who was a local church leader, traveled a lot to deliver Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes.

The church I attended hosted a huge event to celebrate Children’s Day, a holiday set toward the end of summer. It was every kid’s dream of a party with piñatas, cake, and clowns. Just before it ended, they lined us up and gave each of us a box. Everybody wondered, What is it? Then, everyone got quiet before they counted to three. We all opened our shoeboxes, and there was so much excitement. I remember being so happy.

My box had a letter and a picture from a girl named Olivia who lived in Minnesota. It was so encouraging to see someone young care for others that she didn’t even know.

I saved up enough money so I could mail her a letter about who I was and how much I loved the gift and letter. We ended up writing back and forth. My sister wrote to her as well.

The letter and picture were something very special because they gave me a glimpse into the person behind the shoebox. I will forever be thankful to Olivia for the gift and the happiness and joy it brought to me.

I also got a pink telephone-shaped notebook. My parents worked really hard so I could go to a private school to learn English, but that meant they hardly had money to buy my school supplies every year. I remember all my friends had nice pencils and notebooks, but I just had the boring stuff because that’s all my parents could afford. As a kid, I wanted what my friends had. The telephone notebook was my first real notebook and from that time on, I started journaling.

As my dad continued to deliver the shoeboxes, he took me with him to distribute them in the slums. He also took them to the children of policemen and firefighters who lived in poor conditions, and used donkeys to get the shoeboxes to a mountain village.

Operation Christmas Child had a big influence in my life because I heard my dad share the Gospel with people. I didn’t accept the Lord, though, until I was 14. So from 6 to 14, I was really hopeless and contemplated suicide. In my mind I had nothing, even though I had a really great family. One night I thought, This is it. I’m going to take my life. But something started tugging at my heart, telling me to turn to my Bible. It opened to John 3:16.

I remembered how my dad shared the Gospel when he delivered shoeboxes. First, he explained the meaning of a gift, since many of the children had never received one before. Then, he shared that Jesus is the Greatest Gift and pointed to John 3:16. He encouraged the children to take away the word “world” and put in their name instead. So, in my distress I said aloud, “For God so loved Emelissa that He sent His one and only Son, that if Emelissa believes in Him she will not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Even though I’d known that verse for so long in both Spanish and English, it really hit me that night that I was loved—by God! So being exposed to Operation Christmas Child gave me THE gift of Jesus Christ.

I am now in my last year of college in the United States and desire to serve overseas in public health.

I regularly pack shoeboxes because it meant so much to me and many other kids to know that someone far away cares. I remember the screams of happiness. I remember my mother's smile and hearing her praise God for provision. I remember so many beautiful things about the experience, and it is a blessing to be able to be part of that now for other children.

#shoeboxstories is an ongoing series in which shoebox recipients share about the eternal impact of a simple gift. Check back each Thursday through August 25 for new content.

READ MORE #SHOEBOXSTORIES

Operation Christmas Child delivers great joy to millions of children around the world through shoeboxes lovingly and prayerfully packed with gifts that will bring delight to a child. In the hands of local churches, every gift-filled shoebox is a powerful tool for evangelism and discipleship—transforming the lives of children and their families around the world through the Good News of Jesus Christ! After receiving shoebox gifts, boys and girls are invited to enroll in The Greatest Journey, our 12-lesson discipleship program where children learn what it means to faithfully follow Christ and share their faith with others.

Help spread the Good News of God’s love to children in need! By packing a shoebox full of simple gifts and sending it off with prayer, you can be part of transforming entire families and communities around the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Many recipients also go on to participate in our 12-lesson follow-up Bible study course, The Greatest Journey. National Collection Week is November 14-21 and you can drop off your shoebox gifts at one of nearly 5,000 drop-off locations.

National Shoebox Collection Week

November 14-21

Samaritan’s Purse brings physical relief and the Gospel to hurting people around the world.

Hurricane Matthew killed hundreds as the powerful storm's fierce winds and pelting rains hammered Haiti, clipped eastern Cuba, and then bashed the Bahamas. The deadly storm brought pounding rain and record-breaking flooding to the Carolinas, making landfall between Charleston and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Our U.S. Disaster Relief teams have deployed to multiple areas in North and South Carolina to help homeowners in Jesus' Name.

Samaritan's Purse has airlifted over 160 tons of hygiene kits, household water filters, blankets, heavy-duty plastic sheeting, and other needed relief supplies to Haiti on our DC-8 in the wake of Hurricane Matthew. A Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) is working with our field staff to coordinate the distribution of these items to thousands of suffering Haitians on the Tiburon peninsula.

The medical personnel on our DART have also established two cholera treatment centers in southwestern Haiti to help those afflicted by the deadly waterborne disease. In addition to dealing with the outbreak, our doctors and nurses are also treating people injured in the hurricane or struggling with illness. Our water, sanitation, and hygiene specialists are working to improve sanitary conditions in the wake of the storm.

Matthew, which was the most powerful hurricane to affect the Caribbean in nearly a decade, struck Haiti's southern region in the early morning hours of October 4, causing deadly flooding. Waters from the Category 4 storm collapsed bridges, destroyed homes, and ruined crops in a country still attempting to recover after a massive earthquake in 2010. Many people were living in makeshift shelters before Matthew hit.

An airlift also went to the Bahamas. The DC-8 transported 20 tons of hygiene kits, water filters, blankets, and heavy-duty plastic sheeting, as well as a small DART team.

Pray for the people of Haiti and other Caribbean nations as they recover from this catastrophe. Pray also for those affected by the storm in the Carolinas. Pray for our staff as they provide help and hope in Jesus' Name.

BRINGING HOPE AFTER THE DISASTER

LATEST UPDATES FROM OUR HURRICANE RESPONSE

BOONE, N.C., October 5, 2016 —In the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew’s destructive rampage across the Caribbean, Samaritan’s Purse is sending its DC-8 airplane loaded with urgently needed supplies to Haiti. The organization is also sending a Disaster Assistance Response Team to join staff already on the ground to respond to the catastrophe. The plane will be loaded with 20 tons of essential items such as clean water, hygiene items, and plastic sheeting for emergency shelter.

Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere, and this storm has brought extensive damage to the island nation that is still recovering from the 2010 earthquake. Torrential rainfall and high winds have caused severe flooding, washed away bridges, and damaged thousands of homes. Initial reports estimate that 2.5 million people have been affected.

“Hurricane Matthew has wreaked havoc on Haiti,” said Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse. “Our teams are on the ground helping in Jesus’ Name. They’re going to do all they can to meet the needs of the suffering people there. Please pray for the people of Haiti as they recover from this deadly storm.”

The DC-8 airplane is scheduled to depart Greensboro, N.C. on Thursday morning, October 6th and arrive in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti within hours. Samaritan’s Purse is prepared to meet the immediate needs of 2,000 households.

Samaritan’s Purse responds to the physical and spiritual needs of individuals in crisis situations. Led by Franklin Graham, Samaritan’s Purse works in more than 100 countries to provide aid to victims of war, disease, disaster, poverty, famine and persecution. For more information, visit www.samaritanspurse.org.

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41 Gifts from the Heart to Share the Gospel

Order copies of the printed Samaritan's Purse Christmas Gift Catalog to view 41 gifts that bring big blessings in Jesus’ Name to struggling families around the world. From baby chicks to renovating mission hospitals, your gift will have the power to change lives and open doors for the Gospel.

World Medical Mission, the medical arm of Samaritan’s Purse, sends hundreds of doctors every year to 45 remote hospitals and clinics around the world. In addition to sending doctors, dentists and other medical professionals as volunteers, World Medical Mission serves as a lifeline to dozens of mission hospitals by providing millions of dollars worth of critically needed equipment and supplies.

SHORT-TERM VOLUNTEERS:

Short-term volunteers spend anywhere from two weeks to one year serving at a remote hospital. Volunteers are self-funded and raise financial support to cover the cost of their trip. World Medical Mission assists with all of the logistical aspects of the trip including flights, visas, medical license, in country travel and lodging. Physicians, Physician’s Assistants, Audiologists, Surgeons, Occupational Therapists, Optometrists, Anesthesiologists, Nurses, Dentists and other medical professionals are all needed as short-term volunteers. World Medical Mission places volunteers at hospitals and clinics in Africa, Asia, Oceania, Latin America and the Middle East. After completing the application process and being accepted to the program, World Medical Mission presents volunteers with different hospitals that need their skill set and then the individual volunteer can choose which location they feel called to serve in. Since 1975, some 10,000 physicians have volunteered with World Medical Mission. Last year, 986 medical professionals served in 34 different countries.

POST-RESIDENTS:

World Medical Mission’s Post-Residency Program is a fully funded two-year program for Christian physicians and their families who desire to do medical missions. Through this program, post-residents work alongside veteran missionary doctors, allowing them to hone and develop the skills needed to practice medicine in a developing country. There is a desperate need for medical expertise in the developing world, and the Post-Residency Program trains and equips doctors to work in this setting. After completing the application process and being accepted to the program, World Medical Mission presents the Post-Residents with two different hospitals seeking their particular skill set. The Post-Residents then make the final decision as to where they feel called to serve. Since the 2004, World Medical Mission has placed 127 post-residents in hospitals around the globe. More than 66% of these doctors have chosen to remain in the mission field long-term. In 2016, 19 post-residents began the two-year program.

Samaritan’s Purse mobilizes staff and equipment and enlists thousands of volunteers to provide emergency aid to victims of tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires, floods and other natural disasters in the United States. After the initial response, Samaritan’s Purse often stays behind to rebuild and restore houses for needy families.

OVERVIEW:

The Samaritan’s Purse U.S. Disaster Relief team maintains a constant state of readiness—monitoring the weather conditions around the nation in order to respond at a moment’s notice to help victims of natural disasters. Samaritan’s Purse North American Ministries is based in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. At this location, staff members maintain a fleet of disaster response vehicles, including five tractor-trailers that are stocked with heavy-duty tarps, generators, chain-saws, and other tools to aid in cleanup efforts. These Disaster Relief Units also serve as the local command centers for Samaritan’s Purse recovery efforts.

DEPLOYMENTS:

Samaritan’s Purse U.S. Disaster Relief always partners with a local church in the disaster area. From this location, Samaritan’s Purse is able to set up a command center, mobilize volunteers, and serve the community in need. Once on the ground, Samaritan’s Purse assessment teams begin canvassing hard-hit neighborhoods and talking with storm victims to let them know that help is available. Samaritan’s Purse and its army of volunteers work to help families recover after the storm. Depending on the nature of the disaster, volunteers will tear out damaged drywall, remove flooring, tarp roofs, remove debris, or help homeowners salvage personal belongings. The disaster relief teams are made up of staff and volunteers. Many of the volunteers have received classroom and hands-on training, and travel all over the U.S. with Samaritan’s Purse to help homeowners impacted by natural disasters. Since 1998, Samaritan’s Purse has responded to 179 domestic disasters in 35 states, helping nearly 32,000 families. Last year, 8,692 volunteers served more than 194,000 hours with Samaritan’s Purse, helping nearly 1,400 families recover from a disaster.

BOONE, N.C., Nov. 14, 2016 — Tens of thousands of U.S. residents are on a mission to make a lasting impact on children in need. They are looking beyond their own wish lists and packing shoeboxes for boys and girls around the world—for many of the children, it will be the first gift they have ever received.

Nov. 14 – 21, caring people around the country will transform 9.5 million empty shoeboxes into gifts of hope filled with school supplies, hygiene items, notes of encouragement and fun toys, such as a doll or soccer ball. Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, will deliver these shoebox gifts to children overseas living in extreme poverty or affected by war, disease and natural disaster.

“A global movement begins this week across the US and seven other sending countries, millions are focused on making a difference in the lives of children facing difficult circumstances,” said Operation Christmas Child Domestic Director Randy Riddle. “What a joy to be a part of something bigger than ourselves like Operation Christmas Child. Giving such simple gifts like those found in shoeboxes mean the world to the neediest children and it’s something we can all do. ”

More than 150,000 volunteers including families, churches and other groups are linking arms across the country to contribute to the largest Christmas project of its kind. In 2016, Operation Christmas Child hopes to collect enough shoebox gifts to reach 12 million children, with 9.5 million coming from the United States.

BOONE, N.C., Nov. 2016 — More than 4,500 locations around the country will serve as collection sites this year for the Samaritan’s Purse project Operation Christmas Child—the world’s largest Christmas project of its kind.

During National Collection Week, Nov. 14 – 21, anyone can donate shoeboxes—filled with school supplies, hygiene items, notes of encouragement and fun toys, such as a doll or soccer ball—for Operation Christmas Child to deliver to children in need around the world. This year, residents around the United States hope to contribute 9.5 million shoebox gifts toward the 2016 global goal of reaching 12 million children.

““The shoebox gifts donated throughout the country at these drop-off locations will shine a light of hope to children living in poverty overseas,” said Randy Riddle, director of Operation Christmas Child in the United States. “Anyone is welcome to pack a shoebox and help a child facing difficult circumstances to feel loved and not forgotten.”

More than 150,000 volunteers including families, churches and other groups are linking arms across the country to contribute to the largest Christmas project of its kind. In 2016, Operation Christmas Child hopes to collect enough shoebox gifts to reach 12 million children, with 9.5 million coming from the United States.

For more information on how to participate in Operation Christmas Child, call 1-800-353-5949 or visit samaritanspurse.org/occ. By going online to give the suggested donation of $7 per shoebox gift, participants can follow their box to discover where in the world it will be delivered. They can also pack a shoebox gift online and even upload a photo and note of encouragement.

ERBIL, Iraq, Jan. 13, 2017 —Samaritan's Purse President Franklin Graham dedicated the organization's state-of-the-art trauma facility, which is now treating people who have sustained injuries as Iraqi and coalition forces fight ISIS militants for control of Mosul. Victims injured in the intense fighting, including women and children who have been caught in the crossfire, are now receiving critically needed care by the organization's medical teams at the hospital.

At the dedication, Graham shared the story of the Good Samaritan, saying, "At Samaritan's Purse, we want to show God's love to everyone. We show the same love and compassion for each and every one because that's what Jesus Christ would have us do."

Graham also watched first-hand as the organization's doctors received and provided treatment for victims of a car bomb. He encouraged the Samaritan's Purse team who is working day and night to care for patients who might otherwise have no hope of survival.

Iraqi government officials and other dignitaries, including Lise Grande—the United Nations humanitarian coordinator for Iraq—joined Graham for the dedication event. In her remarks, Grande made special mention of the critical role Samaritan's Purse is playing in this situation: "You stepped forward...you built this hospital in record time. Most of all, we want to thank you for saving people. Because Samaritan's Purse is here, thousands—tens of thousands—of people will survive."

This hospital will be open for a minimum of six months before being handed over to the Iraqi Ministry of Health, helping those who may not have access to medical care otherwise.

The emergency field hospital was airlifted to the country and arrived on Christmas Day. Dozens of Samaritan's Purse medical professionals are serving at the hospital, offering urgently needed trauma care. The hospital includes two operating rooms, an intensive care unit and 54 inpatient beds. In partnership with the Iraqi Ministry of Health, the hospital will provide immediate medical care for people injured by gunfire, mines and other explosives, who might not have survived before reaching the nearest permanent hospital, which is located in Erbil.

Since the battle for control of Mosul began in October, Samaritan's Purse has provided food assistance to more than 130,000 people in multiple displacement camps. The organization has also supplied clean water, blankets, tarpaulin for shelters, hygiene kits, cooking kits and shoes to displaced families and people returning to towns and villages no longer held by terrorists.

Recently, Samaritan's Purse began offering nutrition education in refugee camps and installed shelters in three of the camps, which function as safe spaces for women to breastfeed.

Samaritan's Purse has served the people of Iraq during times of need on numerous occasions for more than two decades, and has—with its latest initiative—maintained a continuous presence in the country since 2008.

Samaritan’s Purse responds to the physical and spiritual needs of individuals in crisis situations. Led by Franklin Graham, Samaritan's Purse works in more than 100 countries to provide aid to victims of war, disease, disaster, poverty, famine and persecution. For more information, visit www.samaritanspurse.org.

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BOONE, N.C., Jan. 24, 2017 —International Christian relief organization Samaritan's Purse is responding to the devastating tornados that tore across southeastern states over the weekend. Disaster Relief Units are now based in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and Albany, Georgia—towns reeling from deadly twisters that damaged hundreds of homes. Teams continue to assess other hard-hit areas in Georgia.

"Many families are devastated by the tornados that swept through their communities over the weekend," said Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan's Purse."We want to help them recover from the storms by assisting in the cleanup efforts and sharing the love of Jesus Christ with the people who are struggling in the aftermath of this disaster."

Together with its network of volunteers, the North Carolina-based organization will help families recover from the tornados. Teams will use skid-steer loaders, chainsaws and other equipment to clear debris and remove fallen trees. Volunteers will also assist homeowners by tarping damaged roofs and helping them recover personal belongings.

In addition to personnel, Samaritan's Purse has dispatched Disaster Relief Units. These tractor- trailers are stocked with tools and relief supplies, and will serve as command centers. The first unit is based at Carterville Baptist Church in Petal, Mississippi, and the second is based at the Albany (Georgia) Coca-Cola Bottling Company.

Chaplains from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association's Rapid Response Team have also been deployed to help tornado victims. They will be working alongside Samaritan's Purse to provide emotional and spiritual encouragement in the community.

For more information about how to help or volunteer with Samaritan's Purse, go to spvolunteernetwork.org. Donations to help with the tornado relief efforts can be made at samaritanspurse.org.

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BOONE, N.C., Feb. 8, 2017 —At least seven tornadoes tore across eastern Louisiana on Tuesday, leading Governor John Bel Edwards to declare a state of emergency. The twisters caused extensive destruction throughout the state and damaged hundreds of homes. International Christian relief organization Samaritan's Purse was on the ground just hours after the storm.

A Samaritan's Purse Disaster Response tractor-trailer is now on the way, and the organization is mobilizing volunteers to provide relief to New Orleans—an area where Samaritan's Purse responded less than 12 years ago after Hurricane Katrina.

"Tuesday's storms hammered eastern Louisiana, leaving hundreds of families reeling from tremendous loss," said Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan's Purse. "We want to show the love of Jesus Christ by reminding families they are not alone and helping them recover from these devastating tornadoes."

The North Carolina-based organization's nationwide network of volunteers will help families clean up after the storm. Teams will use skid-steer loaders, chainsaws and other equipment to clear debris and remove fallen trees. Volunteers will also assist homeowners by covering damaged roofs with tarp and helping them recover personal belongings.

Chaplains from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association's Rapid Response Team have also been deployed to help tornado victims. They will be working alongside Samaritan's Purse to provide emotional and spiritual encouragement in the community.

For more information about how to help or volunteer with Samaritan's Purse, go to spvolunteernetwork.org. Donations to help with the tornado relief efforts can be made at samaritanspurse.org.

Samaritan's Purse has helped more than 29,000 families in 35 U.S. states following floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, fires and ice storms. In the past six months, the organization has helped victims of Hurricane Matthew in the Carolinas and Haiti, responded to floods in Mississippi and Louisiana, and is currently providing aid to victims of deadly tornadoes in Georgia and Mississippi.

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For every five student packs you order we’ll send you one Teacher Guide. Each of your teachers will need a Teacher Guide. This teacher’s version of the student booklet includes all 12 lessons and ideas for how to prepare to teach each lesson.

Use this online video and host a one-time, two-hour training event for your teachers. This experience is an integral component of The Greatest Journey, so all your teachers should be required to complete the training before starting the discipleship course. The person in your church who ordered the student packs will receive an online link with an access code for this resource.

This downloadable handbook outlines how to organize and host the training event, how to prepare a kick-off event and graduation, and how to raise financial support in order to send The Greatest Journey discipleship materials to children around the world. The person in your church who ordered the student packs will receive an online link with an access code for this resource.

BOONE, N.C., Feb. 24, 2017 — Because of the generosity of donors across the United States, Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, collected more than 9.1 million shoeboxes packed with fun toys, school supplies, hygiene items—and prayer! Combined with shoebox gifts collected from partnering countries in 2016, the ministry is now sending more than 11.4 million shoebox gifts to children suffering from poverty, natural disasters, war, disease and famine.

“I’ve seen it firsthand for more than 20 years—these shoebox gifts bring hope to children around the world and show them the love of Jesus Christ,” said Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse. “For many of these boys and girls, it is the first gift they have ever received, and they will never forget it.”

Many children who receive shoebox gifts will also enroll in Operation Christmas Child’s 12-lesson discipleship program, The Greatest Journey. This program teaches children about God’s amazing love and guides them through what it means to faithfully follow Jesus Christ. Since 2010, more than 11 million children have participated in the program. Every child who graduates is given a New Testament in their own language.

Although local drop-off locations for gifts are closed until November 2017, shoeboxes can still be packed and sent year-round to Samaritan’s Purse headquarters in Boone, North Carolina (801 Bamboo Road, Boone, NC 28607). Anyone can conveniently pack a personalized Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift at samaritanspurse.org/occ. Participants can also challenge others to pack boxes online with them or use a shoebox gift card to share the opportunity with friends and family.

Samaritan’s Purse is an international Christian relief and evangelism organization headed by Franklin Graham. Since 1993, more than 146 million Operation Christmas Child gift-filled shoeboxes have been distributed to children in more than 160 countries and territories. To learn about year-round volunteer opportunities or to serve with Operation Christmas Child, visit samaritanspurse.org/occ.

The Big Impact of Asset-Based Giving broadsheet

Most people when considering a gift to ministry look at their cash on hand, estimate the future need for that cash and give a portion that is generous within those confines. But cash is usually the smallest portion of their wealth. Assets such as investment portfolios, real estate and business interest often add up to more than 75% of a person’s wealth. The obstacle to using these appreciated assets is that an outright sale of the asset is often a tax-heavy event most people want to avoid.

With a little planning in advance, the tax burden when liquidating appreciated assets can usually be reduced or eliminated if you include charitable giving as part of the plan. An effective asset-based giving plan can capture tax dollars you would pay on the sale of the asset and channel those dollars to ministry. Those gifts could be more than you ever thought possible, multiplying your impact for God’s kingdom.

To discuss asset-based giving please call our gift planning team at 800.528.1980 or email stewardship@samaritan.org.

Maximize Results from the Sale of Your Business broadsheet

Your business is likely the largest asset you own. As an entrepreneur it also represents your personal and often sacrificial investment to make it grow over the years. It has been the source of income and generosity but maybe the time to cash out is quickly approaching.

Putting the sale of your business into biblical stewardship terms, it is an asset that God has provided and entrusted to your care. Maximizing the results of the sale can both honor God and provide for your family.

The sale of a highly appreciated business is a tax-heavy event. In many cases, with the right exit strategy, a significant portion of those tax dollars can be converted to funds that will have eternal impact through the work of Samaritan’s Purse. It is possible that the proceeds to you and your family will increase as well.

To discuss maximizing the sale of your business please call our gift planning team at 800-528-1980 or email stewardship@samaritan.org.

Using Crops and Livestock to Fund Ministry broadsheet

Many farmers and ranchers are using their crops and livestock to invest in a spiritual harvest; helping hurting people in the name of Jesus. For some, making a direct gift of crops or livestock to Samaritan’s Purse before the sale provides superior tax benefits and allows for a larger gift to ministry. Samaritan’s Purse is able to sell the commodity and apply the full amount to ministry. The donor may avoid both income tax and self-employment tax on the value of the gift.

This act of stewardship can be a joyful response to God’s blessing and a strategic use of God’s resources to reach people with the gospel.

To discuss a gift of commodities to Samaritan’s Purse, please contact our gift planning team at 800-528-1980 or email stewardship@samaritan.org.