Shoe Boxes Build Relationships & Impact Communities!
Shoe boxes from Australia and New Zealand have been delivered throughout Fiji since 2005. Earlier this year we were able to help the local churches in Nadi to assist the victims of the January floods. The relationships that we have through the National Leadership Team (NLT) for Operation Christmas Child was critical in making the aid possible. In January the floods covered the ground floor buildings and in some cases all the way up to the eves.
Pastor Rueben is on the NLT in Fiji and is asking that you pray for the churches that are still helping in these communities. The community relationships that the shoe box program builds have many positive outcomes and stories.
Pastor Rueben shared with us the impact of one box that was handed out just over 2 years ago…
Young Benji from Nadi in Fiji was so excited to receive his special shoe box through a local church. It brought such unimagined joy into his life at a really difficult time when Benji’s family had been struck down by illness.
When Pastor Rueben gave the shoe box to Benji he also gave him a book with Bible stories. Of all the treasures, Benji cherished that book the most. It was a book that would change the life of Benji’s family and community forever.
When a member of his family died Benji remembered the pastor who gave him his Christmas box and hoped that he could help them. He convinced his family that they needed to call for the pastor. Rev Rueben came immediately, to pray with the family. Over several visits, he shared with them the immense power of the Lord, this helped Benji and his family through the tough times and they now have a firm faith in Jesus.
But the miraculous impact of that one Christmas box didn’t stop there. As a result of this family’s faith, over 150 people are now Christians.
Benji’s family and community have been transformed as the church has been growing. Initially they would meet under the cover of the family home, but a couple of weeks ago a new church building was opened. The church was built on a piece of land donated by Benji’s grandfather, who is now a member of the new Church community.
Over 150 people came to the service which ran for two hours and then a feast catered by the local community with Indian, Fijian, Chinese and Thai food and music. The new church will be a guiding light to the village as well as the surrounding villages.
Every shoe box has the potential of starting a journey of hope for a child in need. Because of your commitment we can share the real meaning of Christmas and give hope to thousands of children in communities around the world. So thank you for what you’ve done… and thank you in advance for helping transform lives through Operation Christmas Child this year!
August 10th, 2009 at 6:01 pm
I am very impressed with this…..the opening story caught my attention and was impressive. Also, the links are fantastic. Well done ! Linda
August 10th, 2009 at 8:54 pm
One shoe box for one child and a truly amazing story of the power of the gospel message.
August 13th, 2009 at 5:29 pm
I made up a shoebox last year with my granddaughter, and I like to think that she was participating in an action that meant she thought of someone less fortunate than she is, and who also shared her various special treasures.
August 15th, 2009 at 6:38 pm
My husband, three daughters and I have made up shoeboxes for the last three years through our church. Our girls love giving to less fortunate children, it’s such a special and powerful thing to do. It really teaches our children and us that a simple act of kindness and thoughtfulness can be truly life changing. My one wish is that everyone that is able to do a shoebox should. The smile, fun and hope it brings one child and their family is enormous.
December 21st, 2009 at 9:58 am
I think it is a wondeful work you are doing to bring Joy into these children’s lives. I have fun choosing the items, and imagine the child’s delight when opening the box….