On this week’s episode, we’ll hear from three people with special connections to the Samaritan’s Purse project Operation Christmas Child, which collects shoebox gifts filled with toys, school supplies, and hygiene items, and delivers them to children in need around the world to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way. For many children, this shoebox is the first gift they’ve ever received. Bill Pfister, the senior regional director of OCC for the Americas and the Caribbean, gives some insight into the mission and inspiration behind the organization, and how they’re seeking to show God’s love in a tangible way.. Vladimir Prokhnevskiy, a shoebox recipient, grew up in Kiev, Ukraine, in an impoverished family of eleven. Vladimir remembers one harsh winter when he and his siblings underwent extensive travel to get to an Operation Christmas Child distribution center, and how that gift impacted his life. Elvina Arventii will share how Operation Christmas Child changed her life as a little girl, and how she’s now volunteering with them, hoping to pay it forward.

Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:

Jesus Calling Podcast

Jesus Listens

Sarah Young

Past interview: Green family

Upcoming interview: Levi Lusko

Samaritan’s Purse project Operation Christmas Child

www.samaritanspurse.org/OCC

Bill Pfister

Vladimir Prokhnevskiy

Elvina Arventii

Interview Quotes:

“When friends or family members or a local church come together and pack gift boxes and then send them overseas, a child is able to hear about the good news of Jesus in a local church. They are taught that Jesus is the greatest gift they can ever receive and that is a tangible expression of God's love.” - Bill Pfister

“For me [my Operation Christmas Child box] was extra special because it was my first Christmas gift ever. But most importantly, the gospel came with it.” - Vladimir Prokhnevskiy

“Over the years, you forget little details about the shoebox here and there, but you never forget how it makes you feel. And on that day, I felt loved.” - Vladimir Prokhnevskiy

“I have a five year old and an eight year old, Ashton and Elliot, and we pack shoeboxes every single year. It's a family tradition now. It's a great example for my kids because I demonstrate to them what generosity looks like...I want my kids to grow up and be generous because generosity moves people's hearts. Generosity is what unites people, it brings people together. And I want them to grow up to be generous people. And packing shoeboxes helps them become generous.” - Vladimir Prokhnevskiy

“For the first time, I realized that God is real and He can answer even the prayers of a little girl.” - Elvina Arventii

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