Don's Christmas shoebox experience in Ukraine

The URC church in Wroxham has collected shoebox gifts for children at Christmas for many years. One of the members, Don, recalls his experience of working in Ukraine and witnessing the delight of children as they opened their boxes.

A shoebox blessing service was held at the church last month, to which Operation Christmas Child volunteers Mark an Debra Watkins were invited. Here, Don Meechan prayed for the boxes and the impact they will have on the children who receive them. He shared his unique experience so seeing some boxes being distributed.

Don said, "Back in 2019 I was deployed as part of a small NATO evaluation team to carry out a capability inspection of the air transport wing of the Ukrainian Air Force. We were accommodated in the City of Zhytomyr close to the airbase about 80 miles west of Kiev. On the Sunday afternoon we had some downtime and I took the chance to explore the city. I visited many very beautiful churches and as I came close to the city hall, I could hear the unmistakable sound of happy children laughing and singing. The doors opened and dozens of joyful children came out all smiling and very excited, each one holding a Samaritans Purse shoebox that they had been given. Coming from a church that participates in the program every year, it made me feel extremely happy to see the pleasure receiving a box had given them."

A prayer over the gifts

Heavenly Father, We come before you with hearts full of gratitude and love, lifting up these Christmas shoeboxes and all the hands that have prepared them with care. Lord, you are the giver of every good and perfect gift, and we ask that you bless these small offerings as they make their way into the hands of children who need to feel your love and presence.

Father, we thank you for the opportunity to be part of your work, to share the joy of Christmas and the message of Jesus Christ through these simple gifts. We pray that every item inside these shoeboxes would bring happiness, comfort, and hope to the children who receive them. May the toys bring laughter, the school supplies bring learning, and the hygiene items bring health and dignity. But most of all, Lord, may these shoeboxes be a vessel of your love, reminding the children that they are seen, known, and cherished by you.

Mark Watkins said, “what a blessing to hear Don talk, from a unique perspective and to hear the depth of his prayers. His presence highlighted to us God at work all over the world and God knowing that Don would one day be in the URC Wroxham to pray for shoeboxes. We give thanks for this loving church and the many blessings we get from meeting and having fellowship.”

Those interested in more information on Operation Christmas Child for your church, school, group or business, or are interested in being involved in this ministry, can contact Mark and Debra Watkins, volunteers for Samaritans Purse at markdebrawatkinsocc@yahoo.com 
 
Visit: www.samaritans-purse.org.uk