More Than a Gift: A Journey of Joy and Salvation in Cambodia

When two of our Australian staff recently travelled to Cambodia to witness Operation Christmas Child in action, they imagined they’d see excitement and smiles as children opened their shoebox gifts. What they experienced, however, was something far deeper.

“What I saw far exceeded those expectations,” Michaela shared. “I saw pure joy when children opened their boxes. They clung to them with such love and care. These weren’t just gifts—they were treasures.”

In a small village just outside Phnom Penh, 12-year-old Lim Liya received her first ever gift: a shoebox filled with hair clips, pencils, a doll, shoes, and even a beautiful dress—items she had only dreamed of. Overwhelmed, tears rolled down her cheeks.

“I felt cared for and loved by someone I didn’t even know,” Lim said. “It was the best day of my life.”

Blessings continued as Lim returned the next day to attend

The Greatest Journey discipleship classes led by her local church. There, she encountered the story of David and Goliath—and something resonated deeply.

“My favourite Bible story is David killing Goliath,” she said. “It showed me that God can use even someone small like me for something great.”

Through those lessons, Lim gave her life to Jesus.

“This trip reminded me that packing a shoebox may seem small, but Operation Christmas Child is winning souls for Christ and creating eternal impact.” Michaela reflected. “It’s not just children who are changed—entire communities are being transformed by the Gospel.”