By Angela Rice, Coordinator of Short-term Missions
In 2023, over 14,000 Everlasting Smiles Christmas shoeboxes were sent to three different countries — this is the largest year for shoeboxes since I began working for BMA Global! The shoebox ministry strives to bring joy to a child, but more than that, we want to share eternal joy through knowing Jesus Christ. The small shoebox gift is a way to invite and encourage children to come to church and, many times, families will also join in the activities centered around the giving of a gift from the States. At each shoebox event, the gospel is shared, some hearing this message for the first time. Each child will also receive a Bible in their heart language. This small gift that we pack with such ease here in the States will be a treasured memory for many years to come, and with that memory, the hope of Jesus. This year, our shoeboxes will go to Nigeria and Guatemala, the primary language of these countries being English and Spanish, respectively. Our goal this year is 14,000 shoeboxes, and this will completely fill our two containers.
It’s not too late to get involved. For more information on what to pack, where to drop off and how to print posters, visit bmamissions.org/christmas-shoeboxes.
If you would like to make a donation to Everlasting Smiles, send your donation to P.O. Box 878, Conway, Ark. 72033, and our team of volunteers will pack your boxes for you. For $20 we can pack a box that includes the box, wrapping, supplies, toys, Bible and shipping.
If you have any questions, please reach out to me at angela@bmaglobal.org or (214) 498-3041.
