Your gifts are bringing Good News and great joy to the children of Guinea.
“Even the hairs of your head are all numbered…”
God cares deeply about every child who receives an Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift.
God cares deeply about every child who receives an Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift—including the boy or girl who joyfully opens yours!
Little Madeleine,* who calls Guinea in West Africa home, is one of them. “She is an adopted girl who leads a difficult life,” shared our local church partner. “She was in need of a bag and goods for school.”
A delighted Madeleine found everything she needed tucked carefully inside her beloved box. Each item was thoughtfully chosen and packed by a Canadian like you.
But her box’s blessings didn’t end there. She was invited to attend The Greatest Journey, a follow-up discipleship course that our partner churches offer to shoebox recipients. Madeleine accepted the invitation and began learning all about Jesus’ love for her—yes, her!
“Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God.Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows” (Luke 12:6-7, ESV).
Operation Christmas Child in Guinea
Guinea is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and six West African nations. Despite being rich in natural resources, including iron, gold, and diamonds, subsistence farming is how most families survive. It is home to roughly 6 million children under the age of 15—nearly half of the country’s population. Less than seven percent of Guineans consider themselves Christian.
We are praising God for how your gifts even reach some of “the least of these” (Matthew 25:40, ESV) in Guinea—children who are blind—thanks to the dedication of our local partners.
Our partner described one distribution at a school for the blind as “powerful.” They added, “It was incredible to watch the joy on children’s faces as they opened their gifts, unable to see them, but using other senses to discover what was inside.”
The items inside shoeboxes are just as much of a delight to those who can’t see them as to those who can. And one thing is for certain: every child’s life is touched by God’s love when they receive a shoebox gift!
The Greatest Journey in Guinea
In the weeks following a shoebox outreach event, churches that partner with Operation Christmas Child invite children to participate in The Greatest Journey. Through this 12-lesson discipleship program, children learn about Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. They find out what it means to follow Him, and how to share His love with others.
God has been moving powerfully through The Greatest Journey in Guinea. In 2021:
- 624 local teachers trained in The Greatest Journey
- 25,900 children enrolled
- 10,360 children reported decisions for Christ
Twelve children in one family were recently discipled by Christian leaders and made personal commitments to Jesus Christ.
Plus, just like children who can’t see aren’t excluded from experiencing what it’s like to receive their very own shoebox, they also aren’t left out of experiencing The Greatest Journey. Thirty-five children recently accepted Jesus as their Savior after finishing the discipleship lessons, translated into Braille.
Ways You Can Pray for Guinea
- Pray for the churches partnering with Operation Christmas Child as they are trained and prepare to host outreach events and distribute shoeboxes.
- Pray for the training of The Greatest Journey teachers.
- Pray for children to experience Christ’s love and for their hearts to be open to the Gospel.
As you continue to pack shoeboxes and pray, God will work through you to reach the hearts of many more children. Remember, you can pack shoeboxes online year-round. And thank you for giving tangible gifts of God’s love to children in Guinea!
*Name changed to protect privacy
