Hope in the Philippines

Two of our regional ministry leaders recently visited Lapu-Lapu City in the Philippines where God opened doors for them to bring gift-filled shoeboxes to children in desperate need. Many boys and girls in this region are homeless, while others are left without supervision as their parents work long hours just to try to provide basic necessities.

AJ from Western Australia and Dave from Queensland were overwhelmed by the poverty and living conditions, but they were also greatly encouraged by how the Lord is using Operation Christmas Child to bring the eternal hope of the Gospel to these little ones.

Many children in the Philippines who received shoebox gifts have participated in The Greatest Journey discipleship program and are now following Jesus Christ.

“Parents are hearing about God from their kids and they want to learn more about the Gospel. From that interest, churches are being planted,” Dave said. “The trajectory of their lives is changing as their hope is found in Jesus, and we witnessed that first-hand.”

The trip highlighted the critical role of volunteer National Leadership Teams and ministry partners who work hard in their home countries to build relationships and to organise Operation Christmas Child outreach events.

They have an extraordinary heart for the Gospel and go to great lengths to ensure children receive shoebox gifts—whether by planes, buses, donkeys or camels!

Your $12.50 donation per shoebox gift is also helping to train these national leaders and provide them with resources to share the Good News.

As you pack your shoebox gift, please pray that the child who receives it will come to faith in Christ. Also pray for protection for our local partners as they distribute the shoeboxes to girls and boys in remote and sometimes hostile places.