Alina received a shoebox at age 5 in a Central Asian country.

I grew up in the Ukraine in a family of nine children. Nadia, featured in Shoebox Stories on June 12, is my sister. We survived on rice and potatoes and, as the third from the youngest, I wore the clothes passed down to me from my older siblings—including tennis shoes. We took turns wearing them outside to play. We also shared a toothbrush among us.

My mom was very resourceful and made all of our clothes. She also did the laundry for all nine of us without a washer or dryer. She worked so hard scrubbing with a large block of Russian soap that her hands would crack and bleed.

Prior to the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, we were persecuted heavily for our faith in Christ. My father was the pastor of an underground church that met in the woods or various apartments in the middle of the night. Aware of this, the government threatened to send him to Chernobyl to work on the nuclear reactor.

Even after the fall, the persecution continued. Our culture taught that if you believed in God you were weak.

When I was nine years old, we learned about a special event for low-income families. I’ll never forget riding the bus and the tram to this occasion. It was a harsh winter and I didn’t have warm clothes, but I didn’t feel cold at all—only excited. As I sat looking outside the window, it was as though time stopped.

When we arrived we found a lot of welcoming American smiles. They served us snacks, sang songs, and showed us a cartoon sharing the Gospel. At the end of this, they opened big boxes that contained our Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts. I had never received a gift before.

As my siblings and I opened our shoebox gifts, I was so excited to look at the brightly colored packages and toys—including a yo-yo! I thought this was so cool because it was bigger than the yo-yos that were popular in the Ukraine. The school supplies inside my shoebox also made me feel special because my family couldn’t afford them. For once, I had something that others in my class did not have.

My favorite thing in the box, though, was dental floss. I didn’t know what it was so I licked it, thinking it was candy. Then I learned it was for brushing your teeth, so I rubbed the floss along the outside of my teeth. I thought Americans were interesting people if they brushed their teeth with a string, but decided that since they have beautiful smiles, it must work for them. I wondered if it was an invention that hadn’t come to the Ukraine yet.

Once the wax wore off, I used the fancy string to tie sticks together to make toys that would float in the water.

Inside my shoebox was also a note and a picture from a couple who lived in Colorado. Years later, it meant a lot to consider how they gave of their time and money to bless me.

My shoebox gift gave me an example of unconditional love. No strings were attached. Bribery was commonplace in the Ukraine, so a gift was rarely a gift—something was always expected in return. Most people looked out only for themselves, but the shoebox gifts gave us hope that people can be loving and generous. Receiving something as a free gift was new to me—and helped me better understand God’s free gift of salvation, which we can't earn and can never repay.

Four years later, a relative of ours in the United States started lobbying for my family to immigrate to their city in Tennessee. Approvals came through, so in 2000, we sold our apartment in order to finance our journey. The local mafia, however, discovered that we had cash on hand. A friend of my sister Nadia told her that they were planning to kidnap one of us for ransom.

With a chartered bus waiting on the street to take us to the airport, a group of friends came to our three-bedroom, fifth floor apartment to escort us one-by-one to our transportation. Other friends waited with those who had made it to the bus. This ensured that no one was left alone and vulnerable to the mafia’s schemes. When we finally got on the airplane, we were relieved.

Today, I work for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association in Charlotte as a web designer. I enjoy packing shoeboxes together with my wife and two boys. My favorite thing to include is a soccer ball, because it is often shared by the entire neighborhood. Playing soccer helped me avoid some of the common traps for youth in my culture, like drugs and alcohol.

I pray that the Operation Christmas Child gifts we send will bless each child and help them see God’s unconditional love—just as my shoebox blessed me.

Check back for new #shoeboxstories each Monday between June 12 and August 21.

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.

We grew up in rural Jamaica sharing most things, not because we’re twins but because it was a necessity for our family to make ends meet.

Our parents had us in their late teens. They couldn’t afford an ultrasound, so having twins was unexpected. Our mom and dad had to stop attending college in order to provide for us. They worked hard—our mom at home and our dad in sugar cane fields.

Both Christians, our parents had faith that the Lord Jesus would provide for our needs. Every morning, they gathered us together for devotions.

To enable both of us to have something to write on at school, our father cut an 8- by 9-inch notebook in half. He also broke a pencil in two and sharpened the lead with a knife because we didn’t have a pencil sharpener.

We wished we could have full-sized notebooks and pencils like some of our peers. Our wish came true at age 8 when we heard shriek after shriek of delight in the halls of our school.

Large cardboard boxes with a shoebox plane printed on them were delivered to each classroom. We were so excited about these huge brown boxes and were curious to see what was inside.

We rejoiced when we learned that they contained shoebox gifts for us. One of us received two full-sized notebooks! We shared what was in our shoeboxes so we would each have one. We also received our first calculator—a small, gray one we still love to use.

We received a pair of woolen mittens. We didn’t need them for warmth, since we lived in the Caribbean, but we put them to good use as pot holders. Our parents still have them at home in Jamaica.

We were glad to receive a game of jacks since previously we used stones or the balls from roll-on deodorant to play the game.

We also each received pencils and pencil sharpeners, as well as crayons, coloring books, and personal care items, such as combs, toothbrushes, washcloths, and soap.

One of our younger brothers also received a shoebox gift. He still has the flashlight he received in his box.

At first, we wondered who we knew that would send us these gifts.

We had learned the story of the Good Samaritan in Sunday School. So, when we saw Samaritan’s Purse printed on the tape that held the shoebox closed, we knew that Good Samaritans had sent us these gifts.

Through the shoebox gifts, we learned that you don’t have to be close neighbors in order to help each other. These gifts came from strangers.

The boxes of gifts ultimately reflected the goodness of Christ, showing us that the Lord graciously provides for us. We felt God's love for us as we received them.

Earlier that same year, we both made professions of faith in Jesus Christ during an evangelistic crusade. We each stepped forward that night to dedicate our lives to Him.

The shoebox gifts and The Greatest Gift Gospel booklet that we received along with them helped us as new Christians to continue to grow in our faith. We read the booklet in Sunday School and together as a family before we went to bed. The lessons, which we read over and over, were such a blessing and comfort to us.

Our parents instilled in us how important it is to study the Bible and pray together. We talked and prayed through any issues that came up, seeing how God works through situations. We sisters still have morning devotions together.

Our parents are so proud that both of us graduated last year with business administration master’s degrees from Liberty University, a Christian college in Virginia. Our mom went back to school to earn a teaching diploma and our dad has certifications in food service, hospitality, and nutrition.

It wasn’t until we saw an Operation Christmas Child video at our church in Virginia that we realized those were the gifts we received. We knew that logo—the shoebox plane. And there was that word again—Samaritan. We raised our arms in joy and praise. We exclaimed: “We’re shoebox recipients!” We stood and shared our stories right then.

It meant so much to us to learn the background of how our boxes were sent—through churches! It also was moving to see how much church members appreciated hearing us talk about the lasting influence the gifts had on our Christian walk.

Then, we saw the shoebox logo again on our college campus. They pack shoeboxes there, too!

That’s when we knew we had to keep sharing our story, so the message of how God is working keeps spreading.

Check back for new #shoeboxstories each Monday between June 12 and August 21.

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.

Growing up in Romania, my parents worked in a steel plant. My dad was a mechanic and my mom was a crane operator. Even though they both worked full-time jobs, the value of money wasn’t strong enough after the fall of communism to buy very much. We had our lights on and food on the table, but we didn’t have much beyond the very basic needs.

I wore shoes that were too large so that I could wear them longer. My clothes were either hand-me-downs or bought at secondhand stores. We had a few toys, but they were poor quality.

I accepted Christ when I was 12 years old, the same year I received my shoebox gift. That year, before Christmas, my parents told me and my brothers that they didn’t have money to buy us Christmas presents. Christmas was about the only time we received anything, so this was disheartening.

One Saturday evening around this time, my siblings and I were at church for a youth gathering. We were surprised to receive the shoebox gifts after the service. I remember going home and sitting in my brother’s room on the floor, where we all laid out everything we’d received in our shoeboxes. I was completely overwhelmed with joy.

My favorite gifts were feminine hygiene items, a toothbrush, and soap. As a young girl, to have nice smelling soap and a nice toothbrush meant a lot to me. I treasured the feminine hygiene items because this was the first time I had ever received them. They were considered a luxury in my country and weren’t something my parents could afford.

Before I received my shoebox, I was having a hard time as a new Christian. I was trying to understand why our family was struggling and why God would allow it.

Through my shoebox gift, God showed me that He is my Provider. He provided the things I needed in my shoebox. Even though our family was struggling and I was discouraged, God still took care of us. I learned that God’s provision is always on time, and He will take care of His children.

My parents always taught us the things of the Lord and about His plan for our lives. They taught us that He is all we need and He is our salvation. My shoebox gift helped me go from knowing that in my head to understanding that in a personal way.

When you only have a little, a shoebox is a lot. I felt loved when I realized that someone selflessly gave it to me. God’s love was wonderfully demonstrated because it was a heartfelt gift—nothing was asked in return.

Now, I pack shoeboxes every year with my husband and son. Operation Christmas Child is about so much more than a humanitarian project—it’s about sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.

I pray that those who receive our shoeboxes feel as blessed as I did.

Check back for new #shoeboxstories each Monday between June 12 and August 21.

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.

Growing up in Romania, my parents worked in a steel plant. My dad was a mechanic and my mom was a crane operator. Even though they both worked full-time jobs, the value of money wasn’t strong enough after the fall of communism to buy very much. We had our lights on and food on the table, but we didn’t have much beyond the very basic needs.

I wore shoes that were too large so that I could wear them longer. My clothes were either hand-me-downs or bought at secondhand stores. We had a few toys, but they were poor quality.

I accepted Christ when I was 12 years old, the same year I received my shoebox gift. That year, before Christmas, my parents told me and my brothers that they didn’t have money to buy us Christmas presents. Christmas was about the only time we received anything, so this was disheartening.

One Saturday evening around this time, my siblings and I were at church for a youth gathering. We were surprised to receive the shoebox gifts after the service. I remember going home and sitting in my brother’s room on the floor, where we all laid out everything we’d received in our shoeboxes. I was completely overwhelmed with joy.

My favorite gifts were feminine hygiene items, a toothbrush, and soap. As a young girl, to have nice smelling soap and a nice toothbrush meant a lot to me. I treasured the feminine hygiene items because this was the first time I had ever received them. They were considered a luxury in my country and weren’t something my parents could afford.

Before I received my shoebox, I was having a hard time as a new Christian. I was trying to understand why our family was struggling and why God would allow it.

Through my shoebox gift, God showed me that He is my Provider. He provided the things I needed in my shoebox. Even though our family was struggling and I was discouraged, God still took care of us. I learned that God’s provision is always on time, and He will take care of His children.

My parents always taught us the things of the Lord and about His plan for our lives. They taught us that He is all we need and He is our salvation. My shoebox gift helped me go from knowing that in my head to understanding that in a personal way.

When you only have a little, a shoebox is a lot. I felt loved when I realized that someone selflessly gave it to me. God’s love was wonderfully demonstrated because it was a heartfelt gift—nothing was asked in return.

Now, I pack shoeboxes every year with my husband and son. Operation Christmas Child is about so much more than a humanitarian project—it’s about sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.

I pray that those who receive our shoeboxes feel as blessed as I did.

Check back for new #shoeboxstories each Monday between June 12 and August 21.

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.

Alina received a shoebox at age 5 in a Central Asian country.

I was born in the Middle East in a country where 97 percent of the population—including my parents—didn’t believe Jesus Christ is Savior and Lord. My parents moved our family to another country in the region to pursue a better future. There they met a pastor who shared with them the hope of the Gospel, and they gave their lives to Jesus.

But instead of finding a better life, things were very difficult. The room we lived in was empty except for a few pieces of cloth we had to eat and sleep on. My dad worked two jobs, but it was still hard for him to provide for our family. Many nights I went to bed without food, or if there was some, it was raw onions and bread.

My wish as a 5-year-old was to have something of my own that was not passed down to me from other people. I told my mom, “I just want something new to help me feel that I am valued.” Being a wise and Godly lady, she said to me, “Dania, I know it’s hard for you to understand. Your dad and I can’t give you new things, but I know Someone who can.”

She taught me Psalm 23 and I prayed, “Lord, I want my own new things—things that will put a smile on my face that are not passed down to me from other people.”

At that time, my family wanted to be able to keep up with the news from our home country, but we couldn’t afford a radio or a television. So, we prayed together and waited.

After a little while, we went to church and found out they were giving away shoeboxes. I didn’t know what that meant as I’d never received a gift of any kind before. When I eventually received my box, nothing mattered more to me. It put a joy in my heart that I’d never had before.

Before I could open it, I had to walk about an hour home because we couldn’t afford a taxi.

When I finally opened my shoebox gift, I was speechless. Everything in there was brand new! I found pencils, an activity book, a calculator, a stuffed bear, and soap that smelled so good. It hit me that this was the answer to my prayer. These items were my own from people we didn’t even know.

Inside the shoebox was another surprise—a tiny radio! Out of a million shoeboxes, this one came to my family the year we prayed for a radio. We all knew this could not happen apart from God.

When I went to bed that night, I counted all the items in my shoebox and thought, God is good.

After living in that country for seven years, we went back to our own country to preach the Gospel. It was hard for us, though, because the Good News was often not accepted. As I watched my parents be harshly persecuted because of their faith, I was convicted that I needed to accept Christ for myself personally. Alone in my bedroom one evening, I prayed through tears, “I am a sinner. My life is all yours, Jesus. Use it as you will.”

As a believer, I was bullied by the teachers and students at my school. Despite this treatment, my dad continued to have Christian meetings in our home because we could not have a church.

One morning we went to my dad’s shop where he fixed and sold watches and found oil poured over the front door. He found a note that said, “If you don’t stop preaching the Gospel, we’ll burn this door and kill you and your family.” We still talked about Christ, though, and people were saved.

After nine years in that village, it became so dangerous for us that we had to get out of the country. As we departed, I had to leave everything behind—including my shoebox items. This was really hard for me.

After we moved to a third country in the Middle East, we applied to be refugees. Again, we prayed and waited. In 2010, more than a year after our application, God opened the door for us to come to the United States.

After being here two months, a woman from our church asked if I wanted to process shoebox gifts. Up until that point, I had no idea where shoebox gifs came from. When I arrived at the processing center, I was amazed to find so many people working like elves. But when I looked up and saw a banner with the Operation Christmas Child logo on it, I froze and realized these boxes were like my shoebox. I never imagined that I’d pack and process shoebox gifts like the one I received.

In May 2017, I graduated from Salem College in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, with a degree in education. Looking back, my shoebox was the colorful thing in my black-and-white childhood. It was proof to me that what my parents taught us about prayer was true: it is a strong weapon. Even though we were poor, prayer made us feel rich. I thank God for what He has done for me.

Check back for new #shoeboxstories each Monday between June 12 and August 21.

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.

I’ve never met my birth mother. People at the orphanage told me that she brought me there when I was a few months old.

At the orphanage in Guatemala, the caretakers provided for our basic needs. They taught us, fed us, and clothed us, but their limited resources meant that we ate a steady diet of rice and beans and wore whatever clothes were available, no matter what the size. Sometimes, the girls wore boy clothes because that’s what the orphanage had on hand. I don’t remember us having any combs or brushes.

We did have a toothbrush—one toothbrush for 10 girls. We shared it, like we shared everything else. That’s why I was so excited when we each received our own Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift.

My favorite thing I received in my box was a toothbrush of my very own. I got a lot of use out of it. It was a prized possession. To this day when I pack shoebox gifts, I don’t just include one toothbrush—I pack at least four of them in each box! That way, the children can use them for a long time, or have enough of them to give to their friends or family members.

I also received a stuffed animal. I was 5 years old, so I loved to hug it. I was delighted to receive crayons and coloring books. When the girls and I colored, there was no white space left on the pieces of paper. We filled every available space with color.

We received our gifts in plastic containers, so we kept our larger gifts in them. The possessions we really cherished we kept underneath our mattresses. I didn’t receive a photo in my shoebox, but some of the other girls did. They kept the photos underneath their mattresses so they could pull them out to look at them then tuck them away again for safekeeping. I always include a photo and a letter in the shoeboxes I pack because I remember how much the girls treasured them. Even if they couldn’t read the writing, it meant something to them that they were from those who had given them the gifts.

I had heard about Jesus at the orphanage. When we had received our shoeboxes, we learned the song, “Jesus loves me.” But it wasn’t until later that I truly knew who He is and that Jesus really does love me.

A year after I received my shoebox, I was adopted by a couple from the U.S. My parents took me to church and, within the year, I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior.

I still love the song, “Jesus loves me.” I love to sing—I’m on the worship team at church. I’m also a nanny, so I get to teach the song to the kids. Many of the children are from my church, which has packed shoeboxes for many years—long before I became a part of the congregation and began sharing my story.

I get to help the children pack shoeboxes. I tell them that I received a shoebox gift and answer their questions about what to put in the boxes. I explain how important basic items like paper and pencils are to a child who doesn’t have them. They’re amazed that I had to share a toothbrush—they couldn’t imagine having to share things like that. But they grasp at an early age what it is to give to others.

I hope that my story will make a difference in other children’s lives—both those who pack shoeboxes and those who receive them. I’m so thankful that someone took the time to pack one for me.

Check back for new #shoeboxstories each Monday between June 12 and August 21.

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.

Nunca he conocido a mi mamá biológica. Las personas del orfanato me contaron que ella me dejó ahí cuando tenía unos meses de edad.

En el orfanato recibíamos los cuidados básicos. Nos daban clases, alimentos y ropa para vestir, pero sus recursos eran limitados por lo que teníamos una dieta constante de arroz con frijoles y vestíamos cualquier ropa disponible sin importar tu tamaño. Algunas veces las niñas debían vestir ropa de niño porque era lo que se tenía disponible. No recuerdo haber tenido un peine ni cepillo.

Recuerdo que teníamos cepillo de dientes – un cepillo para 10 niñas. Lo compartíamos como compartíamos todo lo demás. Es por eso que me emocioné mucho cuando cada uno recibió una caja de regalos de Operation Christmas Child.

El artículo favorito que recibí en mi caja de regalos fue un cepillo de dientes para mí sola. Lo utilicé por mucho tiempo, era mi tesoro preciado. Actualmente cuando empaco una caja de regalos, no sólo incluyo un cepillo de dientes, ¡empaco por lo menos cuatro en cada caja! De esa manera los niños pueden utilizarlos por mucho tiempo o pueden compartir con sus amigos o familiares.

También recibí un animal de peluche. Tenía 5 años en ese entonces, así que me encantaba abrazarlo. Estaba encantada de haber recibido crayones y libros para colorear. Cuando coloreábamos junto con otras niñas, no quedaba ningún espacio en blanco en las hojas de papel. Llenábamos todos los espacios disponibles.

Recibimos nuestros regalos en cajas de plástico, así que guardábamos los regalos grandes en ellas. Los artículos que más nos gustaban los guardábamos debajo del colchón. Yo no recibí una foto, pero algunas niñas sí. Recuerdo que la mantenían debajo de su colchón para poder sacarla con facilidad, admirarla y guardarla de nuevo. Siempre incluyo una foto y una nota de ánimo en cada caja de regalos que empaco, ya que sé lo valioso que es para los niños. Aunque muchas veces no sepan leer, significa una conexión con las personas que enviaron los regalos.

Había escuchado de Jesús en el orfanato. Cuando recibimos las cajas de regalos aprendimos la canción “Cristo me ama”, pero fue hasta más tarde que realmente lo conocí y comprendí que realmente Jesús me ama.

Un año después de haber recibido mi caja de regalos, fui adoptada por una pareja de los Estados Unidos. Ellos me llevaban a la iglesia y a los siguientes meses acepté a Jesús en mi corazón como mi Señor y Salvador.

La canción “Cristo me ama” sigue siendo de mis preferidas. ¡Me encanta cantar! ahora soy parte del equipo de alabanza en mi iglesia. También trabajo como niñera, así que tengo la oportunidad de enseñarles esta canción a los niños. Muchos de estos niños son de mi iglesia, donde han empacado cajas de regalos durante muchos años, incluso mucho antes de que yo fuera parte de ella y comenzara a compartir mi historia.

Tengo la oportunidad de enseñarles a los niños a empacar cajas de regalos. Les cuento que yo recibí una y contesto sus dudas acerca de qué incluir en ella. Les explico lo importante que son los artículos básicos como papel y lápices para un niño que no tiene nada. Se asombran de escuchar que yo compartía mi cepillo de dientes, les cuesta imaginarse compartiendo cosas como esas. Lo que me encanta es que a una corta edad ellos comprenden lo importante que es el compartir con alguien más.

Espero que mi historia impacte la vida de muchos niños, tanto los que empacan las cajas como los que las reciben. Estoy muy agradecida que alguien se tomó el tiempo para empacar una para mí.

Jaki y su familia actualmente están planeando un viaje misionero a Guatemala para ayudar a un centro que ayuda a madres solteras y sus hijos.

No te pierdas las nuevas #shoeboxstories que publicaremos cada lunes entre el 12 de junio al 21 de agosto.

READ MORE #SHOEBOXSTORIES

Operation Christmas Child lleva gran gozo a millones de niños alrededor del mundo por medio de cajas de regalos que se empacan con amor y mucha oración, y se llenan con artículos que causan alegría a los niños. Cada caja de regalos es de gran ayuda para las iglesias locales, porque es un instrumento para evangelizar y discipular, que luego resulta en la transformación de muchos niños y sus familias por el conocimiento de las buenas nuevas de Jesucristo. Después de que los niños reciben sus cajas de regalos, se les invita a inscribirse en La gran aventura, un programa de discipulado de 12 lecciones que les enseña a ser seguidores fieles de Cristo y cómo hablarles a otros acerca de Él.

BOONE, N.C., July 17, 2017 —The North Carolina-based international relief organization Samaritan's Purse is deploying a disaster response team along with a tractor-trailer stocked with tools and emergency supplies to southern Wisconsin. Homeowners in three counties along the Fox River—Kenosha, Racine, and Walworth—are reeling from severe flooding caused by historic rainfall in the area.

The organization’s staff has reached out to local authorities and homeowners in these hard-hit areas and is mobilizing volunteers to help families clean out their flood-damaged homes. Teams will tear out damaged drywall, remove flooring, clear debris and spray chemicals designed to stop mold growth.

“Hundreds of Wisconsin families have been affected by these historic floods” said Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan's Purse. “We want to share the hope of Jesus Christ with them by letting them know they are not alone and helping them start to get back on their feet after this devastating disaster.”

The tractor-trailer, one of the organization’s Disaster Relief Units, arrived today stocked with heavy-duty tarps, generators and other tools that will aid in the cleanup efforts. This unit and volunteer teams are based at Mt. Zion Community Church in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, Samaritan’s Purse’s partner church for the response effort.

Chaplains from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association’s Rapid Response Team are also helping flood victims in Wisconsin. They will be working alongside Samaritan’s Purse to provide emotional and spiritual encouragement.

For more information about how to help or volunteer with Samaritan’s Purse, go to spvolunteernetwork.org. Donations to help with the flood 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. Recently the organization provided aid to victims of the tornadoes in Mississippi and floods in Missouri and Louisiana.

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Desde niños a ancianos, personas empacan cajas de regalos cada año para bendecir a niños en necesidad alrededor del mundo. Algunos padres utilizan este proyecto para enseñarles a sus hijos acerca del dar. Voluntarios apoyan durante todo el año este esfuerzo en todo el país.

Las iglesias y grupos locales recolectan cajas de regalos en sus comunidades. Algunas iglesias también funcionan como drop-off locations cada año, la tercera semana de noviembre.

Miles de voluntarios sirven cada año inspeccionando y preparando las cajas para ser enviadas al extranjero. Cada hora, el trabajo se detiene por unos minutos para orar por los niños que recibirán las cajas de regalos.

Mucho antes de que las cajas de regalos lleguen a los más de 100 países, los Equipos Nacionales de Liderazgo, compuestos por voluntarios, capacitan a los pastores y líderes de la comunidad cuyo deseo es divulgar el Evangelio y bendecir a los niños. Los líderes aprenden a cómo organizar eventos de evangelismo para los niños y cómo implementar el programa de discipulado La Gran Aventura.

Las iglesias locales alrededor del mundo coordinan eventos de evangelismo en los que se presentan claramente las Buenas Nuevas. Algunas iglesias utilizan las cajas de regalos para visitar orfanatos y otras áreas en riesgo. Además de los regalos, se entrega el folleto El Mejor Regalo, para que los niños aprendan acerca del mejor regalo de parte de Dios: su Hijo Jesucristo.

Además de recibir una caja de regalos, muchos niños son invitados a participar en La Gran Aventura, un programa de discipulado que les enseña acerca del asombroso amor de Dios y los guía en el significado de seguirle fielmente. Como resultado de lo que aprenden, ellos crecen en el conocimiento de Cristo y empiezan a contarles a otros acerca de Él. Y así es como llegamos a las familias, las iglesias crecen, se transforman las comunidades y algunas veces se inician nuevas iglesias.

Love—that’s the word that jumped out to me on the note written in big, red print by Brittany, age 13. I didn’t know how to read English at the time in the Dominican Republic, but I recognized the word love: “God loves you! Love, Brittany.”

Two photos accompanied the note—one of Brittany with her parents, simply identified as mom and dad, and one of Brittany with her younger brothers, Austin and Brandon. That’s all that I know about the family who packed my shoebox gift—besides that they packed the gift filled with the love of God. There was no last name; no email or address. I long to meet this family who packed my shoebox with God’s love so I can tell them how much that still means to me.

My two sisters and I didn’t usually receive Christmas presents. Our parents made sure we had food and clothes—working hard at multiple jobs for that purpose—but we didn’t have a lot of extras. It was a special treat if we had a few pesos left over to go out for hotdogs after church once in a while.

My dad, a pastor, started our church with nine members meeting in a backyard. Each January 6, the church hosted an “El Día del Niño” (Children’s Day) celebration. The puppet show, cake, and soda were typically our special gifts at Christmastime.

But when I was about 9 years old, the Children’s Day celebration included a surprise—Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes. While handing them out, the church members told us that someone made our shoebox gift especially for us. That stuck with me, especially after seeing the family in the photos.

My shoebox included socks, soap, and a toothbrush—things that, now as an adult, I also love to put in the shoeboxes I pack. All children can use these things. I also received a stuffed animal, a coloring book, a notebook, and crayons—items I also pack in shoeboxes to make each child feel special. My shoebox packing always starts with a note and a photo—I put those in the shoeboxes first.

My dad used to tell my sisters and me, “Everything belongs to God; nothing belongs to us.” Sometimes I wondered why I didn’t get things that other kids had if my family was working in the Name of God, but we believed in His faithfulness.

Leading up to when I received my shoebox, I asked God for a special gift at Christmastime, something just for me. I knew that my shoebox gift was God’s answer to my prayer. To me, it was proof that God is faithful.

Growing up in church, I assumed I was a Christian. But my dad told me that a Christian is someone who makes a decision to follow Jesus Christ. My salvation occurred a couple of years after I received my shoebox, but the gift really started me thinking that since God is faithful to me, I needed to be faithful to Him.

My faith was tested when I was 18. Our parents had just dropped off me and my middle sister at college in the Dominican and were then involved in a traffic accident. Our older sister and both of our parents were killed in the crash.

Losing so much so fast has caused me to not take anything for granted. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. There are times I still feel lonely without them and ask God why they had to leave, but I've never doubted the love of God. Though I don’t always understand His plan, I’ve learned to trust in it.

That faith goes back to my shoebox. I needed that message of God’s love that Brittany sent to me—little did I know how much I would need it, but He did. I believe that God always will put the right box in the right hand.

God worked in the heart of a 13-year-old girl to send that message to me. I often wonder where Brittany, now in her 30s, is today and what she is doing. But God knows, and I know He is faithful.

Anabel now lives near her sister in Washington state, where her aunt and uncle started a Hispanic church. She and her husband are part of the church’s worship team. Last year, the church’s youth were the first ones in the congregation to pack shoeboxes. They packed 150 gifts—all with notes about the love and faithfulness of God.

Check back for new #shoeboxstories each Monday between June 12 and August 21.

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.

I was born and raised in a small village in Moldova. Our country was in severe financial instability after the fall of the Soviet Union. Everyone in our family needed to work to make ends meet. Besides his daily job, my dad and the rest of the family also worked long hours gathering and selling walnuts and working on government agricultural fields.

We tended a garden and kept domestic animals in order to have food on the table. Most of our food came from the garden. During the winter, we didn’t buy extra food; we ate whatever we had stored. My six siblings and I had to wake up early before school to help feed the animals.

When we weren’t working, we played outside with other kids. We made up our own games because we didn’t have toys.

One day, when I was 5 years old, I was told that something exciting would happen at church the next day. I remember going to bed extra early, hoping that would make the day come sooner. When I woke up the next morning, I felt it was the most glorious day ever. I was so excited to receive my shoebox and couldn’t wait to open it.

We opened our shoeboxes once we got home. We sat on the living room floor and took turns opening our shoeboxes. I dumped my whole box on the floor so I could see everything at once. The gifts were wonderful—we had items such as coloring books and soap.

The thing that stood out to me the most was a pack of colorful markers. I couldn’t take my eyes off them. There were so many in the pack! I didn’t know some of the colors existed. I was so excited I jumped up and started running around the room.

The markers my family had at home were dried out. We would dip them in water just to make them last a little longer. I always wished I could color and draw—the markers were exactly what I wanted. I could hardly wait to show my friends at school the new markers.

The day I received my shoebox I went from knowing about Jesus to actually knowing Him. I began a personal relationship with Jesus—one where He is my Best Friend—instead of just a powerful Man I’d heard about during Sunday School.

God used my shoebox to reassure me that He really loved me. It showed me that God does answer prayer. God became real and personal to me.

My family and I moved to the United States in 2003 and I now work as a nurse. I pack shoeboxes so I can bless other children. I want to help bring the same joy and happiness to other children that I experienced. I want children across the world to know Jesus.

Check back for new #shoeboxstories each Monday between June 12 and August 21.

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.

Amor - esa es la palabra que saltó a mí en la nota escrita en letra grande y roja por Brittany, de 13 años. Yo no sabía leer inglés en ese momento, pero reconocí la palabra amor: ¡Dios te ama! Con Amor, Brittany.

Dos fotos acompañaron la carta - una de Brittany con sus padres, simplemente identificada como mamá y papá, y una de Brittany con sus hermanos menores, Austin y Brandon. Eso es todo lo que sé acerca de la familia que empacó mi caja de regalos, además de que la empacaron con el amor de Dios. No había apellido; Ningún correo electrónico o dirección. Anhelo conocer algún día a esta familia que empacó mi caja de regalos con el amor de Dios para poder decirles lo mucho que todavía significa para mí.

Mis dos hermanas y yo no solíamos recibir regalos. Nuestros padres se aseguraron de que tuviéramos comida y ropa, trabajando duro en múltiples trabajos para ese propósito, pero no teníamos muchos extras. Era un regalo especial si teníamos unos pesos extras para comprar un hot dog después de la iglesia de vez en cuando.

Mi papá, un pastor, comenzó la iglesia con nueve miembros reunidos en un patio trasero. Cada 6 de enero, la iglesia celebraba "El Día del Niño". El espectáculo de marionetas, pastel y soda eran típicamente nuestros regalos especiales.

Cuando tenía unos 9 años, la celebración del Día del Niño incluyó una sorpresa - las cajas de regalos de Operation Chrismtas Child. Al entregarlas, los miembros de la iglesia nos dijeron que alguien empacó nuestra caja especialmente para nosotros. Eso se me quedó grabado, especialmente después de ver a la familia en las fotos.

Mi caja de regalos incluía calcetines, jabón y un cepillo de dientes, cosas que, ahora como adulto, también me encanta incluir en las cajas de regalos que empaco. Todos los niños pueden usar estas cosas. También recibí un animal de peluche, un libro para colorear, un bloc de notas y crayones - artículos que también incluyo en las cajas de regalos para hacer que cada niño se sienta especial. Al empacar una caja de regalos, siempre inicio con una carta y una foto. Es lo primero que agrego.

Mi papá solía decirnos a mis hermanas y a mí, “Todo le pertenece a Dios; nada nos pertenece.” A veces me preguntaba por qué no podía tener algunas cosas que otros niños tenían, si mi familia trabajaba en el Nombre de Dios, pero creíamos en Su fidelidad.

Tiempo antes de recibir mi caja de regalos, le pedía a Dios un regalo especial, algo solo para mí. Sabía que esta caja de regalos era la respuesta de Dios a mi oración. Para mí, era la prueba de que Dios es fiel.

Creciendo en la iglesia, asumí que era cristiana. Pero mi padre me dijo que un cristiano es alguien que toma la decisión de seguir a Jesucristo. Mi salvación ocurrió un par de años después de recibir mi caja de regalos, pero este regalo realmente me hizo pensar que, puesto que Dios es fiel a mí, necesitaba ser fiel a Él.

Mi fe fue probada cuando tenía 18 años. Nuestros padres acababan de dejar a mi hermana mediana y a mí, en la universidad en la República Dominicana, luego se vieron involucrados en un accidente de tránsito. Nuestra hermana mayor y nuestros dos padres murieron en el accidente.

Perder tanto en tan corto tiempo, me ha hecho no tomar nada por sentado. Todo puede cambiar en un abrir y cerrar de ojos. A veces me siento sola sin ellos y le pregunto a Dios por qué tuvieron que irse, pero nunca he dudado del amor de Dios. Aunque no siempre entiendo su plan, he aprendido a confiar en él.

Esa fe se remonta a mi caja de regalos. Necesitaba ese mensaje del amor de Dios que Brittany me envió, poco sabía cuánto lo necesitaría, pero lo hizo. Creo que Dios siempre pondrá la caja correcta en las manos correctas.

Dios trabajó en el corazón de una niña de 13 años para enviarme ese mensaje. A menudo me pregunto dónde estará Brittany, ahora a sus 30 años, que estará haciendo. Solo Dios sabe, y sé que Él es fiel.

Anabel actualmente vive cerca de su hermana en el estado de Washington, donde su tía y tío fundaron una iglesia hispana. Ella junto a su esposo son parte del equipo de alabanza de la iglesia. El año pasado, los jóvenes de la iglesia fueron los primeros en la congregación en empacar cajas de regalos. Ellos empacaron 150 cajas, todas incluían una carta hablando sobre el amor y la fidelidad de Dios.

No te pierdas las nuevas #shoeboxstories que publicaremos cada lunes entre el 12 de junio al 21 de agosto.

READ MORE #SHOEBOXSTORIES

Operation Christmas Child lleva gran gozo a millones de niños alrededor del mundo por medio de cajas de regalos que se empacan con amor y mucha oración, y se llenan con artículos que causan alegría a los niños. Cada caja de regalos es de gran ayuda para las iglesias locales, porque es un instrumento para evangelizar y discipular, que luego resulta en la transformación de muchos niños y sus familias por el conocimiento de las buenas nuevas de Jesucristo. Después de que los niños reciben sus cajas de regalos, se les invita a inscribirse en La gran aventura, un programa de discipulado de 12 lecciones que les enseña a ser seguidores fieles de Cristo y cómo hablarles a otros acerca de Él.

I remember walking every day to school when I was young. Most of the time I went without any lunch because my parents couldn't afford to feed all of us a lunch. I was one of eight children, and we lived in a very poor area of Burkina Faso.

It was hard to even earn enough money for food, and nobody had money for gifts at Christmas. My parents did not buy things like toys or even many books to read.

When I received my first gift, it was in an Operation Christmas Child shoebox, and it was a real blessing for me. We also first listened to a presentation of the Gospel. And it was during this presentation that I actually accepted Jesus into my life.

I had grown up going to church, but I had never prayed for God to save me. So, before they ever passed out the boxes I had already received a gift—the gift of salvation! So, I couldn't wait to see what was inside my shoebox, but I also looked forward to what God was going to do in my life.

We did not open our boxes at the event. We wanted to share the experience with our family. When I got home I opened the box up and saw all those wonderful gifts. There were toys and books, and what I especially enjoyed was my yo-yo. It was a special yo-yo, because at night it would just light up my dark neighborhood.

I wasn't just excited about having new toys and new things, though. I was also excited because I was surprised to receive a gift from people I didn’t know and might never meet. Honestly, I had never received a gift in my life, and I never expected it.

So, when Operation Christmas Child told me that people from the other side of the world cared about me, it helped me to experience even more thankfulness for God's faithfulness toward me. Who would ever think that God would use a simple light-up yo-yo in a shoebox to remind me of His love? I think back to that Saturday morning and to all the ways God has continued to be faithful to me since then. God has even used me to share His love with others in my country.

A few years after receiving that shoebox I began another journey I didn't expect. When I was 12 years old I started a children's ministry in my neighborhood to teach others about Jesus Christ. Since then I've been able to share the love of God throughout my neighborhood and in many villages in Burkina Faso.

More recently, I've been involved in evangelism and discipleship as part of Operation Christmas Child. As I've taught The Greatest Journey discipleship program throughout my country, I have seen God change the hearts of many children. I’ve seen nine churches started as a result of Gospel seeds planted through The Greatest Journey project.

Today I live in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where I attend Bible college and am learning to be an even better teacher of God’s Word.

I am so grateful to the many, many people who pack Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes, because through one of these simple gifts God opened my heart to Him and to telling others about Him.

And thank you for praying for God to work through Operation Christmas Child and for praying for kids to become disciples and disciplemakers like He made me.

Check back for new #shoeboxstories each Monday between June 12 and August 21.

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.

Growing up in Romania, my parents worked in a steel plant. My dad was a mechanic and my mom was a crane operator. Even though they both worked full-time jobs, the value of money wasn’t strong enough after the fall of communism to buy very much. We had our lights on and food on the table, but we didn’t have much beyond the very basic needs.

I wore shoes that were too large so that I could wear them longer. My clothes were either hand-me-downs or bought at secondhand stores. We had a few toys, but they were poor quality.

I accepted Christ when I was 12 years old, the same year I received my shoebox gift. That year, before Christmas, my parents told me and my brothers that they didn’t have money to buy us Christmas presents. Christmas was about the only time we received anything, so this was disheartening.

One Saturday evening around this time, my siblings and I were at church for a youth gathering. We were surprised to receive the shoebox gifts after the service. I remember going home and sitting in my brother’s room on the floor, where we all laid out everything we’d received in our shoeboxes. I was completely overwhelmed with joy.

My favorite gifts were feminine hygiene items, a toothbrush, and soap. As a young girl, to have nice smelling soap and a nice toothbrush meant a lot to me. I treasured the feminine hygiene items because this was the first time I had ever received them. They were considered a luxury in my country and weren’t something my parents could afford.

Before I received my shoebox, I was having a hard time as a new Christian. I was trying to understand why our family was struggling and why God would allow it.

Through my shoebox gift, God showed me that He is my Provider. He provided the things I needed in my shoebox. Even though our family was struggling and I was discouraged, God still took care of us. I learned that God’s provision is always on time, and He will take care of His children.

My parents always taught us the things of the Lord and about His plan for our lives. They taught us that He is all we need and He is our salvation. My shoebox gift helped me go from knowing that in my head to understanding that in a personal way.

When you only have a little, a shoebox is a lot. I felt loved when I realized that someone selflessly gave it to me. God’s love was wonderfully demonstrated because it was a heartfelt gift—nothing was asked in return.

Now, I pack shoeboxes every year with my husband and son. Operation Christmas Child is about so much more than a humanitarian project—it’s about sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.

I pray that those who receive our shoeboxes feel as blessed as I did.

Check back for new #shoeboxstories each Monday between June 12 and August 21.

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.

In both Europe and the Middle East, Samaritan’s Purse is ministering to people who are fleeing terror.

Five Samaritan's Purse disaster relief units are now in Texas to equip staff and volunteers as they serve residents recovering from Hurricane Harvey and its aftermath. We have volunteer bases set up and operating in Houston and Pearland, just south of the city. Volunteers are also hard at work around Victoria, Rockport/Portland, and Santa Fe.

Please pray for those affected by this terrible storm, and pray for our teams who are responding.

Harvey Relief Stories 

LATEST UPDATES FROMOUR FLOOD RESPONSE

In both Europe and the Middle East, Samaritan’s Purse is ministering to people who are fleeing terror.

Hurricane Irma has left death and destruction in its wake as the storm churns through the Caribbean headed for a weekend landing in Florida.

Hurricane Irma Stories 

LATEST UPDATES FROMOUR FLOOD RESPONSE

BOONE, N.C., Aug. 25, 2017 —Samaritan’s Purse deployed two Disaster Relief Units to TexasFriday morning in preparation for Hurricane Harvey’s landfall. These tractor trailers will stand by in north Texas and move into areas of devastation as soon as weather permits. Stocked with tools, chainsaws and emergency supplies, the units provide the North Carolina-based organization with the equipment necessary to help families devastated by the storm.

Hurricane Harvey, which continues to strengthen, is expected to be the first Category 3 hurricane to make landfall in more than 11 years. Residents in its path have been encouraged to evacuate as damaging winds, record-breaking rainfall and a strong storm surge are anticipated.

“Hurricane Harvey is expected to bring catastrophic flooding and severe storm damage to the coast of Texas,” said Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan's Purse. “As we wait for the storm to hit, we are positioning supplies and planning to bring immediate assistance to affected families. Most importantly, we are praying for God’s protection for those in the storm’s path.”

Two disaster relief units, as well as tool trailers, mobile kitchens and skid steers, will be pre-positioned for a rapid response. Teams of volunteers are rallying with the international Christian relief organization to work in the hardest-hit areas—preparing to tear out damaged drywall, remove flooring, tarp roofs and clear debris.

Chaplains from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association’s Rapid Response Team will be working alongside Samaritan’s Purse to provide emotional and spiritual encouragement.

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

Samaritan’s Purse has helped more than 34,000 families in 35 states following floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, fires and ice storms. In the past two years, the organization has responded in Texas nine times, six of which were flood responses. Recently, Samaritan’s Purse responded to flooding in Illinois and West Virginia.

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BOONE, N.C., Aug. 29, 2017 —Samaritan’s Purse deployed two additional Disaster Relief Units to Texas Tuesday with a third unit scheduled to move out later this week in response to the catastrophic flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey. The organization is also mobilizing an army of volunteers to help desperate Texas homeowners.

"The people of Texas are facing an unprecedented catastrophe, and they urgently need our help," said Samaritan’s Purse President Franklin Graham. "We’re going to do all we can to help them by tarping roofs, mudding out homes and clearing debris. Most importantly, we’re going to show them the love of Christ and let them know they’re not facing this crisis alone."

Each Disaster Relief Unit is stocked with tarps, chainsaws and other tools, and can serve as a mobile command center for the team on the ground.

Even before the storm hit last Friday, the organization had deployed two Disaster Relief Units to Texas to be positioned to respond immediately after the storm passed. These two are currently stationed in Victoria and Rockport, Texas, and volunteers have already begun working in Victoria. The additional units will stand by to move into Houston and the Galveston area as soon as flood waters recede.

Chaplains from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association’s Rapid Response Team are also working alongside Samaritan’s Purse to provide emotional and spiritual encouragement and support.

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

Samaritan’s Purse U.S. Disaster Relief has worked in Texas over the past two years responding nine times since the beginning of 2015, six of those involving floods. During those six deployments—including two in the Houston area last year—4,997 volunteers assisted 624 families.

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BOONE, N.C., Aug. 31, 2017 —Vice President Mike Pence joined Samaritan’s Purse at one of its work sites in Rockport, Texas, today, where the international Christian relief organization and its volunteers are helping Hurricane Harvey victims. The vice president met with volunteers and homeowners who lost many of their belongings because of damage caused by the storm and extensive flooding.

Samaritan’s Purse Disaster Relief Units are currently set up in the Rockport and Victoria areas, where teams of volunteers are helping storm victims by tarping roofs, mudding out homes, clearing debris and salvaging as many of their belongings as possible. Three additional units are standing by to move into Houston and Galveston as soon as floodwaters recede enough for Samaritan’s Purse to set up operations in those areas.

Scott Knuteson, 770.317.0499

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BOONE, N.C., Sept. 7, 2017 —In the aftermath of Hurricane Irma's catastrophic rampage across the Caribbean, Samaritan's Purse is deploying its DC-8 cargo jet loaded with urgently needed supplies to the island of St. Maarten. Local authorities have reported that 95 percent of the island's houses have been damaged with 60 percent uninhabitable. The plane will carry essential items such as hygiene kits, blankets and rolls of heavy-duty plastic sheeting for emergency shelter to distribute to more than 2,000 families.

Friday morning, the DC-8 airplane will depart from Greensboro, North Carolina, arriving in St. Maarten within hours.

Friday, Sept. 8, 10 a.m. (media arrival 9 a.m.)

Mission Aviation Services Greensboro 701 N Terminal Service Road Greensboro, NC 27409

Scott Knuteson, 770.317.0499

A 14-member Disaster Assistance Response Team will be on the ground leading Samaritan's Purse response efforts and distributing supplies to storm victims. To schedule an interview with team leaders in St. Maarten, call Kaitlyn Lahm at 828.406.0365.

Samaritan's Purse responds to the physical and spiritual needs of individuals in crisis situations. Led by Franklin Graham, the organization works in more than 100 countries to provide aid to victims of war, disease, disaster, poverty, famine and persecution. Its U.S. Disaster Relief teams are currently working in five locations in Texas to help survivors of Hurricane Harvey. They are also ready to respond immediately in Florida if needed.

For more information or to donate toward relief efforts, visit samaritanspurse.org.

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