An Instrument for God’s Glory

A few months ago, when Hurricane Beryl tore through his home country of Grenada, Devon Rachae played a critical role in getting Samaritan's Purse access to help his people. Within 24 hours, our teams were on the ground serving in Jesus’ Name. This week, Kristy Graham hears Devon’s story and how receiving an Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift at 12 years old blessed his life. A simple shoebox gift showed Devon that he was seen, known, and loved by God, and instilled in him a desire to serve the Lord.

Devon’s mother was ostracized and forced to fend for herself when she had Devon as a teenager. Growing up in poverty with his four other siblings, Devon remembers his mother’s lectures during Christmas time—they were not able to afford gifts. One Christmas, Devon and his siblings were invited to a church event. There was dancing, singing, a presentation of the Gospel, and then each of them received a shoebox gift.

“My favorite item in my box was a slinky. So, it was really, really an exciting moment, and because of this experience, we really got involved attending this church and got involved in the ministry of this church. So, I eventually got saved and got baptized.”—Devon Rachae

God took Devon on a journey he never expected: he began serving in his local church, he became the youngest senator in the history of Grenada, and eventually went on to plant a church. After Hurricane Beryl hit Grenada, Devon’s connections within the government were able to facilitate Samaritan’s Purse immediate response. All of this is because one believer decided to fulfill the Great Commission by packing a shoebox. God had a purpose and a plan for Devon’s life.

“What is most important is to be able to hear the voice of God and to walk in whatever purpose God has called you to fulfill.”—Devon Rachae

Devon understands the influence of a shoebox gift, and now, he gets the privilege of handing out boxes similar to the one he received. Kristy and Devon encourage listeners to pack shoeboxes this year and intentionally pray about what gifts they include. That way, the right box will reach the right child. Devon shared an incredible testimony about a young Muslim boy who received the exact items he had hoped for.

“And then he runs out saying, ‘Jesus is Lord! Jesus is Lord!’ He goes home to his Muslim family to declare that he has proven that Jesus actually is who He says He is. Because he received this hat and this T-shirt.”—Devon Rachae

Please pray for Operation Christmas Child season. Pray that more children all around the world would come to know the Lord through hearing the Gospel presentation and receiving a shoebox gift. If you’d like to keep up to date with more stories from On the Ground, please visit samaritanspurse.org.