Over the past 20 years over one hundred million shoebox gifts have been collected and distributed by Operation Christmas Child. Headed by Franklin Graham, and supported by millions of caring Christians around the world, OCC has encouraged and inspired the hearts of millions of children in need. In this volume, Graham shares the remarkable story of the beginning of OCC and dozens of stories of the lives impacted by these gifts.
You'll read about children like 12 year-old Lejla from war-torn Bosnia, who just the day before receiving her first shoebox had lost a friend, killed in a mine field. Walking to school that day in worn-out shoes that didn't keep the snow from her frozen feet, she despaired and decided to walk through the mine field herself, hoping to end her pain. Unharmed, she then walked down infamous "Sniper Alley." Still unharmed, she made it to school where she was given a shoebox. That shoebox changed the course of Lejla's life. Among many other items, it contained a new pair of sneakers. In gratitude, Lejla wrote a letter to thank the person who had given her the gifts--Jesus. It was then that she connected with God's heart and found His love in the gift of His Son.
This and countless other stories told by Graham, volunteers, and gift recipients from the past two decades of ministry will remind you of how God uses your gifts to change lives. As you read, your heart will be warmed, filled by the true spirit of Christmas giving.
