“It Changed My Life”: Celebrating 200 Million Gospel Opportunities

Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes have brought hope to children in more than 100 countries for nearly 30 years. Each gift-filled box is an opportunity for children to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ. For many of these kids, it may be the first time they’ve heard that God loves them.

In this episode, On the Ground with Samaritan’s Purse host Kristy Graham shares a significant milestone—the collection of the 200 millionth shoebox—and the celebrations it has inspired.

First, Kristy chats with Elizabeth Groff, whose life was changed when she received a shoebox. Elizabeth has been traveling the country to pack the 200 millionth shoebox gift. Thousands of prayer warriors, supporters, volunteers, and staff around the world have contributed to this special gift. It will be sent filled with both toys and prayers, and will be hand delivered by Elizabeth to a girl in Ukraine. Hundreds of thousands of other shoebox gifts will also be given out to children in Ukraine.

“Every single item that goes in that shoebox has been loved on and has been prayed about, so I'm just really looking forward to delivering that to her and really just sharing the hope that I once received in my shoebox.”—Elizabeth Groff

Next, Kristy speaks with Franklin Graham during the final 200 Million Shoeboxes Celebration event. Franklin reflects on the importance of each gift. Each shoebox represents an opportunity for a child to be saved because the Gospel is shared.

Elizabeth shares her story of how God used a simple gift to change her life. She was raised as an orphan in Ukraine with her sister Tanya. Both girls experienced deep heartbreak and family hurt. She recalls not knowing who God was, but crying out to Him in desperation. When she was 10 years old, Elizabeth received an answer in the form of an Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift.

“These are Gospel opportunities. When kids receive these shoeboxes, they experience the love and hope of Jesus the way that I did. And for many of them, it’s for the first time. That is incredible.”—Elizabeth Groff

Finally, Kristy and Elizabeth talk about ways to pray for Operation Christmas Child. Kristy encourages listeners to include a note or photo so that each child knows who packed their box.

“He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.”—Isaiah 40:11, ESV