2026
Virtual Connect Videos
Welcome, watch-party hosts! At Samaritan’s Purse, we are grateful to God for your partnership in ministry! To continue to equip you well in your service, the Operation Christmas Child 2026 Virtual Connect is just for you. Below you will find a collection of videos created for this event, bringing you up close to our evangelism and discipleship ministry around the world that is multiplying believers in Jesus.
Videos are captioned in English and Spanish. You can access these captions via the “CC” button at the bottom of the viewing pane.
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Session 1: Worship and Devotions (46:36)
Begin your Virtual Connect watch party with worship led by Aaron Shust, followed by a devotional message on Philippians 1:27 from Pastor Skip Heitzig.
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Session 2: Samaritan’s Purse Ministry Update (47:14)
Be inspired by updates from Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse, and Edward Graham, chief operating officer. Also join Jim Harrelson, Operation Christmas Child executive advisor, and Randy Riddle, vice president, as they reflect on the Lord’s faithfulness through decades of ministry and share an exciting vision for the season ahead.
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Session 3: Domestic Update (58:42)
Travel around the world as Joey White, senior director of Operation Christmas Child Domestic, presents key ministry updates for sending countries. You will also hear leadership of international offices roll out new goals and practical resources as well as receive greetings and prayer requests from leaders in other Operation Christmas Child sending countries.
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Session 4: International Update (25:01)
Go behind the scenes of Operation Christmas Child outreach and discipleship in this international update from Toluca, Mexico. Also, be encouraged by impact stories from around the world and learn what a year in the life of a National Leadership Team in South Africa looks like.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are we doing at the 2026 Virtual Connect?
One reason we are excited to offer a Virtual Connect this year is that it allows every Connect volunteer in the U.S. to participate, along with staff and volunteers from the other Operation Christmas Child sending countries. We also wanted to offer a low-cost option this year, knowing that the 2027 Global Connect is a big investment and may require more planning and saving to participate.
Can we invite guests?
Yes! While the Virtual Connect gathering is intended to encourage and equip year-round Connect volunteers, there will be plenty of inspirational content that others may enjoy. Please make sure your area team is on the same page about whether you are opening this gathering to others and be strategic about who you invite. You may want to consider family, prospective volunteers, project leaders, or pastors. If you have additional questions, please reach out to your regional point of contact for guidance.
Do I need to track attendance at my watch party?
Yes, we are asking that each watch party host track attendance, including a breakdown of volunteers and guests who attend. We will equip you with resources to do this easily and will ask you to submit the information to your regional office.
Does my watch party have to be on April 25?
We are encouraging all area teams to participate on April 25, during whatever time of day works best for your team. If for some reason you are unable to hold a watch party on April 25, you can schedule for a later date.
What if I need to change or cancel my watch party?
You can modify your registration using the link in your confirmation email. Please be sure to communicate any updates directly to your area team and guests; Samaritan’s Purse will not be tracking or communicating with these attendees.
What kind of content should I expect?
You can expect worship, Biblical teaching, and inspirational testimonies, in addition to ministry updates and vision for the year. Because this year’s event is fully virtual, this content may look a little different than a traditional Connect Conference.
Will I have access to sessions after April 25?
Yes, the Virtual Connect videos will be available on MyOCC in the weeks following the gathering.
I have more questions—who can I talk to?
For questions related to event registration or event details, please contact the Operation Christmas Child Events Team at occevents@samaritan.org or 1-800-442-9120.
