We recently celebrated the culmination of this project—a graduation ceremony from the twelve week discipleship program local pastors commit to when they sign up to receive shoe boxes for their area. The parents of each child receiving a show box must agree to allow their child to attend twelve weekly bible studies (as a prerequisite for their child to receive a shoebox). This year―even with the Covid-19 limitations―there were close to seventy children at the celebration. Many of these children attended required amount of classes needed to receive a certificate of completion from Samaritan’s Purse, which included their own Gran Adventura (Grand Adventure) New Testament (named after the discipleship program). Samaritan’s Purse also supplied all of the top-notch materials, which are sent to participating pastors for each child.
This year’s celebration was amazing—as usual! There were balloons and decorations everywhere, including costumes for the leaders. There was also a prize table for winners of the numerous games. Many of these children come from homes with very little income and it was such a joy to see them having so much fun!
I didn’t include pictures of every child who received a certificate, but if you happen to notice a couple of children that look really young, they are the children of the teachers and helpers that worked with the program. Every child and parent was extremely proud. You would think they were graduating from high school or college.
Please pray for the families and children who were introduced to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as a result of this year’s Samaritan’s Purse Shoebox Program. This experience was the beginning of a different way of life for several of the families reached in this year’s outreach! It is truly so much more than just a shoebox!