In April 2024, Jess had the most amazing opportunity and privilege to take part in the distribution of shoeboxes, to children in Georgia, with Operation Christmas Child. Here is Jess's story:

" Operation Christmas Child - vision Trip to Georgia in April 2024 ……  

was a waterfall of inspirations and impressions with an injection of fresh insights and renewed passion. 

It was a detailed, stunning woven tapestry illuminating many parts of the OCC (Operation Christmas Child) network/ chain showcasing the many links in the chain from when we pack boxes until the children open them. The many dedicated volunteers involved in all areas was very evident and ultimately the power of a gift packed with love opens hearts and infuses joy and hope into many lives.

It was an intense, yet humbling experience after packing and organising boxes for the last 14 years.

Lasting impressions – each with a story or example:

God’s attention to detail and the impact of the boxes.

• A young girl came dressed in a purple anorak and her hair was full of purple clips and when she opened her box, everything inside was also purple.
• How still the children sat when they were told where the boxes came from and why they were being given, was amazing. Many of them sat paging through the book they were offered ‘The greatest gift’, as they waiting until everyone had received their box.

The reactions of the children, the gratitude shining through their eyes, some of them coming to say THANK YOU and how special their box was to each of them.

• A waitress at our hotel approached one of the team when she saw the logo on his shirt. She said that she had received a box many years ago and it is something that she has never forgotten.
• One girl who agreed to having a photo taken with me, whispered in my ear after the photo, ‘I love you!’ and I was blown away!

The hearts of the ministry partners (OCC and the churches we visited) and their love for the children and the project was inspiring.

• The price that that many pay in this part of the world where Christians are often not welcome, but persecuted and tortured but they do not give up.
• The unifying power of the love in the face of much opposition as different churches open up to be part of OCC, like some of the Orthodox and Adventist churches.

Connecting and sharing with like-minded, generous volunteers from Germany and UK and the staff from the USA who organised the trip. The chats on the bus and during meals were very inspiring.

• The individual accounts and experiences were fascinating and we learnt a lot from one another.
• It was a reminder that as one of us is faithful in the little then the Lord can multiply it all to create something that is impossible by man’s standards. The US staff shared how a logistics company came to look into what is done world wide with 11,3 million boxes distributed from the 2023 collections and said that it was impossible to do by man’s standards!

Actual events:

The red team ( Germans) participated in 3 box distributions and 1 Graduation. At each box distribution the children are told the gospel story and invited to join a 12 week course called THE GREATEST JOURNEY in the church where they receive their box. Then the boxes are distributed and each child is offered a booklet THE GREATEST GIFT, which according to stats is read by about 5 different people! The 12 week discipleship course is offered by the church that distributed the boxes and after 12 weeks there is a graduation where each child gets a certificate and a NT in their own language. All children are given boxes whether they choose to attend the church or the 12 course or not.

Just a few of many interesting observations:

The hygiene items ( toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap and facecloth) are all very valuable to the children as they battle the shame of bad breath and body odour and often have to endure teasing at school because of this.

The cuddly toys are much appreciated by all ages.

Our boxes from Luxembourg are of a very high quality and we are aiming high for 2024 for 2000 boxes!

It was such a privilege being able to participate in the vision trip and I was blessed that I had no back issues (PTL) and I look forward to inspiring many more to help us pack boxes to spread joy, love and hope and impact one life as a time. "

Jessica Mills