It’s a story that will warm your heart and remind you of the power of kindness and generosity. Twenty years ago, a young girl named Cynthia, living in central Asia, received a shoebox full of gifts from a charity called Operation Christmas Child (OCC). The shoebox was part of a larger initiative to bring joy and hope to children in need around the world. Last week, Cynthia, now a grown woman, brought those treasured gifts to a church in Norwich, England, and shared her story with a group of volunteers and supporters of the charity. Her testimony was a powerful reminder of the impact that a simple shoebox can have on a child’s life.
Cynthia’s story began when she was just 7 or 8 years old. She lived in a small village with her family, who were part of a Christian minority in a predominantly non-Christian country. The church in their village was small and humble, built by local people and supported by missionaries. Despite the challenges they faced, Cynthia’s family was grateful for what they had, and they lived a modest but fulfilling life. It was during this time that Cynthia received her shoebox, which was filled with all sorts of treasures, including little dolls, a comb with a folding mirror, a set to make bracelets and chains, and a little toy skateboard. Her brother received a similar box, and his eyes lit up when he saw the toy truck inside. Cynthia remembers her brother feeling like a hero, and she felt the same way, overwhelmed with excitement and gratitude.
As Cynthia and her family opened the shoebox, they were amazed by the variety of gifts inside. They had never seen anything like it before, and they were touched by the thought and love that had gone into packing each item. Cynthia’s mother explained to her and her brother that the shoebox was a gift from someone who wanted to share God’s love with them. Inside the box, they found a handwritten note that read, “From a friend who loves God and loves you. I pray that you love God too.” This note was especially meaningful to Cynthia, and she kept it with her always, along with a Christian book that she treasured. For her, the shoebox was more than just a collection of gifts; it was a reminder of God’s love and care for her and her family.
Years went by, and Cynthia grew up, but she never forgot the shoebox and the impact it had on her life. She went on to live her life, but the memory of that special gift stayed with her. It wasn’t until 2023, when she moved to the UK, that Cynthia became reacquainted with Operation Christmas Child. She attended a church service one Sunday and saw some shoeboxes with the OCC logo on them. She was amazed and delighted to see the familiar symbol, and she felt a surge of excitement and nostalgia. She searched online for the charity and discovered that she could volunteer at a local processing center. As she shared her story with the other volunteers, they were moved to tears by her testimony. From that moment on, Cynthia felt called to share her story with others, to inspire them to get involved with OCC and make a difference in the lives of children around the world.
The event in Norwich, where Cynthia spoke, was a special moment for her, as she was able to share her story with a wider audience. The occasion was a training session for link volunteers, who would be responsible for encouraging their congregations and communities to pack shoeboxes for OCC. Cynthia’s testimony was a powerful reminder of the impact that a simple shoebox can have on a child’s life. She emphasized that packing a shoebox is a simple yet profound way to respond to Jesus’ command to make disciples of all nations. As she put it, “Go and pack a simple shoebox – it doesn’t take much, it doesn’t cost much. We’re sitting in our comfort, but we can give the gift of eternity. It’s the chance to share the gospel that Jesus loves us more. His love and his gift is more.” Her words were a challenge to everyone present, to consider the difference they could make in the life of a child, and to get involved with OCC.
As the event came to a close, Cynthia’s story lingered in the minds of all who heard it. It was a reminder that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a profound impact on someone’s life. The shoebox that Cynthia received twenty years ago was more than just a gift; it was a symbol of hope, love, and generosity. Today, Cynthia is a testament to the power of OCC, and her story inspires others to get involved and make a difference in the lives of children around the world. If you’re interested in learning more about Operation Christmas Child or getting involved, you can contact Mark and Debra, the Norfolk coordinators, at [email protected] or visit the Samaritan’s Purse website at www.samaritans-purse.org.uk. Who knows, you could be the one to make a difference in the life of a child, just like Cynthia, and inspire them to know and love God.
