Shoebox Joy in Ethiopia for the First Time in Nearly 30 Years

For the first time in decades, Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts arrived to children in Ethiopia.

Earlier this month Edward Graham, COO of Samaritan’s Purse, joined with a local church in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to distribute hundreds of gift-filled Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes. Before opening their presents, girls and boys listened to a child-friendly presentation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

“I want these kids to know that they are loved and not forsaken, and that Jesus Christ died on a cross for them,” Graham said.

Edward Graham, far right, visited with ministry partners while at the Operation Christmas Child outreach event.

For the first time in nearly 30 years, the red and green Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts arrived on the laps of children in Ethiopia. Through a local church in Addis Ababa, the nation’s capital, nearly 400 children, and many parents, were introduced to the Good News about God’s Greatest Gift—His Son, Jesus Christ.

“The children are excited,” said Paul Mwesigwa, East Africa regional manager for Operation Christmas Child. “We shared the Gospel; we told them about Jesus Christ; and we are looking forward to see children discipled and reaching out for Jesus in this community.”

Please pray for the children who received a shoebox gift and heard the Gospel through this outreach event. Pray for the local church in Ethiopia as they disciple many of these children through The Greatest Journey discipleship program in the months to come.