Shoebox Gifts
Open Doors for the Gospel Around the World
amilies, it's time to shop and to pack
To make a shoebox gift for a child in need full
Whether you choose balls, dolls, journals, or jacks—
The simple gifts inside open doors for the Gospel!
Often a child's experience of God's love
Hinges on the fun items you include
But prayer ultimately is the key
That opens hearts to the Good News
Millions of shoebox gifts packed each year
Open doors in deserts, doors in the islands
Children, families, and communities—of Jesus will hear
Even those far away in the highlands
Opening Doors in South America
At age 12, Erika had only one pair of shoes
Worn so thin you could nearly see her toes
Mom, can you get me new sneakers?
She asked with hope.
With no job, she had no money for shoes
What's a mother to do?
But Erika opted to ask God.
She prayed and prayed for those sneakers new.
Around this time in California
Over 4,200 miles to the north
Jasmine to pack a shoebox set forth
Towels, notebooks, and socks she chose
And decided sneakers must also go
She sent the shoebox off with prayer
To a child in need somewhere
God sent Jasmine's box to the hills of Peru
To answer Erika's prayer for shoes
Opening her shoebox gift, she said, tickled,
"I learned that God can make miracles."
But the miracle went far beyond her feet
When she her Savior did gratefully meet
She participated in our discipleship course, The Greatest Journey
And began telling everyone the Bible stories she was learning.
Opening Doors in Europe
Danu, Cristi, Maricica: Moldovan siblings three
Opened their shoebox gifts to be filled with glee
Danu's school supplies, Cristi's car, and Maricica's crayons
Opened their hearts to God's love and a new plan
Invited to The Greatest Journey discipleship course,
Intrigued they were by workbooks full of color
Learning Bible stories, these siblings three
Gave their lives to Christ for His purposes eternally
They soon to church their mother brought
Where she also surrendered her life to the Lord
Now to a family and new generations His ways will be taught
Danu especially wants to share his faith even more
"I like to share God's love with people"
"And preach from His Word."
A pastor he hopes to be—Praise the Lord!
Opening Doors in the Middle East & Asia
Mariya*, 9, found in her shoebox a stuffed bird
She loved it to pieces, but had never heard
Of God's great love until she read The Greatest Gift
The Gospel booklet with her shoebox her spirits did lift
Enrolling in discipleship lessons at her local church
Mariya learned of the cross and "how Jesus died for me"
"I gave my life to Christ," she said.
"I trusted Him fully."
Mariya couldn't keep from sharing the news!
By age 13, she was teaching the same discipleship lessons
To 13 of her friends during on-the-street sessions
Six of these boys and girls, a Savior did choose!
Later, Mariya moved a couple streets away
And started again with 13 new friends
Telling them stories of God's life without end
This time, five children a prayer of salvation did say
Securing their spot in Heaven one day
Like millions of boys and girls around the world
Mariya got just one gift-filled shoebox
But through that single gift, a dozen children heard
Of Jesus' love and continue to tell others—lots!
*Name changed for security
Opening Doors in Africa
Stealing cattle and other things
The Bara communities of Madagascar
Didn't know Jesus or the hope that He brings
Children learned from the adults and often fought
Throwing rocks at each other
And with "toy" wooden rifles practicing "shots"
But when Pastor Soja brought shoebox gifts
Telling children and adults listening in the Good News
Villagers felt they had nothing to lose
Scores of people raised their hands
To follow Christ and become a "new man"
Now their communities will not be the same
Finding soccer balls and marbles inside their gifts
Boys and girls turned from fighting to a new niche
They learned, instead, to play!
Even the school supplies in their boxes opened new doors
For education had never been theirs before
But for these children, Pastor Soja started schools as well!
So, as you a pack a shoebox for a child in need
Pray that God will use it beyond what you can see
Doors for the Gospel it will certainly open!
"See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it."
Revelation 3:8
