Passing the Torch in Ecuador: Operation Christmas Child

This week, we're taking you to Ecuador, where Wheaton College students recently saw lives transformed through the ministry of Operation Christmas Child. These students are on fire for the Gospel, and many packed shoeboxes as kids themselves. God moved on this trip as they witnessed the tangible impact of shoebox gifts and saw kids graduate from The Greatest Journey discipleship program.

In advance of the trip, Wheaton students processed boxes at the Midwest Ministry Center for Samaritan's Purse in Aurora, Illinois. David Thompson, the senior director for Operation Christmas Child International, talked to one of our podcast correspondents about the upcoming trip to Ecuador. This trip is especially close to David's heart because he is a Wheaton graduate.

“[The students] are going to be working with six amazing churches down there. They're going to see the practical outreach of local believers, and they're going to get the opportunity to be able to tell that to their friends and family and see life transformation while they're down there.”—David Thompson

While at the processing center, one of our podcast correspondents got to talk with students and staff members as they inspected shoeboxes, getting them ready to send around the world. Jerry, a staff member at Wheaton College, shared how thrilled he was to be a part of this trip and see ministry firsthand.

“I am going as a staff member, and I'm really excited for the students to get the experience just what it looks like to be on the ground in a ministry, getting to know the local partners, seeing how God's Kingdom is already at work. It doesn't require us to be there, but God's already using the people in that space.”—Jerry Woehr

On the ground in Ecuador, the students took part in the outreach events, where local pastors and partners led the kids in worship and presented the Gospel. The leaders reminded the kids that the greatest gift is Jesus. Then, the students handed out gift-filled shoeboxes. After the outreach events, one of our podcast correspondents caught up with the Wheaton students.

“One of the little girls, Victoria, she was just excited that so many of the things were her favorite color and that she had maybe asked for some of those things or had been wanting them and that the Lord just met her desires and that was super special.”—Alex Ramirez

One of our podcast correspondents sat down with Jonhattan Constante, who has been on the frontlines serving with Operation Christmas Child for more than 25 years. Jonhattan has witnessed the growth of the ministry across South America, and especially in his home country of Ecuador. Operation Christmas Child has been a tool in the hands of the churches to be able to continue spreading the Word.

“I grew up in an orphanage, and so, my heart is always for children. God worked in different ways in my life, but mainly I understood that I was going to be used by God for a bigger purpose.”—Jonhattan Constante

The next day, the group attended a graduation ceremony for The Greatest Journey, where 75 children received their certificates and new Bibles. The Wheaton students got to hear the boys and girls recite memory verses and pray over them.

“I feel incredibly inspired by the strength of the faith of the people in the communities, of the grandmas that are praying for their grandchildren and of the pastors, who are just trying to reach the unreached. I feel empowered to keep on doing that work and to keep on talking about the Gospel and pushing those boundaries.”—Sofia Pletsch

Please pray for the children in Ecuador who heard the Gospel. Pray that they would put their faith in Jesus and live for Him. If you’d like to keep up to date with more stories from On the Ground, please visit samaritanspurse.org.