Today’s Good News

“..you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.” Philippians 4:8 (The Message)

Every day we share stories of hope – joy – Love!  Enjoy some GOOD NEWS each day with LifeSongs.

Friday, January 17, 2025

Helping a stranger is a simple, beautiful act of love. Recently a blind man was trying to make his way onto the Tube at Kings Cross in London. He depended on the help of strangers to find the right train and navigate the gate and crowds.

As the man was getting onto his train, he stumbled. Quickly strangers assisted, but his shoe fell off and down onto the tracks – where it was left behind as the commuter train took off.

Without hesitation, a stranger slipped off one of his shoes, and placed it on the foot of the blind man. No names were shared – no videos went viral. But those present were all touched and shared this reminder with the world – be kind.

Thursday, January 16, 2025

Fathers and sons bond over many things – a love of baseball like in Field of Dreams – or Star Wars – or classic muscle cars. The list is endless when you have an open heart to share your passions with your son.

Earl bonded with his son Jared over cars. They would change the oil and brake pads together and laugh as they hung out in the garage. Earl often spoke of his classic ’67 Camaro that he gave up when starting their family. From Vintage Muscle to spacious minivan.

Now an adult, Jared spent years finding parts and pieced together a fully restored classic Camaro – and got to present it to his dad for his 65th birthday! Early tackled his son in a bear hug, feeling incredibly loved.

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

9-1-1 is for emergencies only. But depending on your situation, math homework can feel like an emergency!

9-1-1 dispatcher Kim Krause took a call from a 10 year old boy who was panicking about a really hard math question and didn’t have anyone at home to help. Kim explained that 9-1-1 was for a different kind of emergency, but still offered to hear the child out.

When the math question went right over Kim’s head – she checked to see if anyone in the sheriff’s office could help. Deputy Sheriff Chase Mason was near the boy’s home and wasn’t dealing with anything more pressing – so he circled over to the house and sat down for some math homework. Deputy Mason has a son about the same age and was familiar with the task.

The Sheriff’s office noted that this is the type of thing they are thrilled to get to do in service to their community – hopefully inspiring the next generation to join law enforcement one day. Especially since they don’t have to do a lot of math.

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

An 8-year-old girl named Emerson Bayse, currently waiting for a heart transplant, found joy in an unusual place: the kitchen of Boston Children’s Hospital. Chef Sarah Bryce stepped in to teach her how to make pickles, turning what could be a mundane hospital experience into a memorable culinary adventure.

Imagine the thrill in Emerson’s eyes when she discovered she could turn fresh veggies into delicious snacks right from her own imagination! They even hosted a pickle party to share their creations with fellow patients. Who knew that the road to recovery could involve such tasty teamwork? Pickle lovers, rejoice!

It’s heartwarming to see how food can bring joy and connection, especially in a hospital setting. Emerson’s pickle adventure is just the kind of uplifting news we need!

Monday, January 13, 2025

British born Daniel Kinsella spent most of his young life fighting to live. He was diagnosed with leukemia when he was only 4 years old. Despite years of chemo and radiation and a narrow escape from pneumonia, Daniel’s family did their best to help the boy enjoy his childhood – taking frequent trips to the Isle of Anglesey.

Daniel loved to camp – and even more – loved the sea. Thanks to a family boat he found sailing and paddle boarding to be a nice distraction. He even became a vocal supporter and champion of a local recycling program when he was only 8.

Now at the age of 16, Daniel hopes to wrap up schooling and join the Royal Air Force – but still enjoys taking the boat out. Recently he made the news by successfully piloting his boat through dangerous waters to rescue a family who had been washed out too far from the coast while paddleboarding. Sounds like we’ll hear many heroic tales during the hard-fought life of Daniel Kinsella.

YOU ARE THE GOOD NEWS!

Everyday that you hear an uplifting song, a message of hope or a word from God through LifeSongs Radio is because of the generous support of you – the listening family of LifeSongs! You can still make a difference and GIVE HERE!

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Friday, January 10, 2025

Springtime seems awfully far away, especially with it feeling so cold. Unless you are planning a June wedding – in which case you are RUNNING OUT OF TIME! A couple in central Arkansas decided that rescuing an injured dog was worth slashing their wedding budget.

Dylan McCay caught word of an injured GoldenDoodle that had been abandoned on the side of the road nearby. He ran to the car and was able to get the animal to a pet hospital. He had obviously been hit by a car and needed extensive surgeries. Dylan and his fiancee didn’t even hesitate to slash their wedding budget to peanuts – paying $10,000 to try and save this abandoned animal.

The prognosis was not good. But the gifted surgeons not only saved the dog’s life, but all of its broken limbs. While it was a very expensive wedding gift, once the dog has recovered they will bring him home to help start their family, all together.

Thursday, January 9, 2025

Sebastian once sang to Ariel the following truth: “The human world, it’s a mess. Life under the sea is better than anything they got up there!”

But one of Ariel’s thingamabobs has been returned to its rightful air breather, thanks to the sharp eyes of a Barbados diver. Back in 1977, while on a family vacation with his family a strong wave ripped Morgan Perego’s class ring off of his finger and down into the abyss.

Flash forward nearly half a century later and Alex Davis caught a glimmer in the sand as he was free diving. He then traced the owner of the McMaster University class of 1965 to now 83-year-old Morgan. The octogenarian got his long lost treasure in the mail just in time for an early 87th birthday gift.

Wednesday, January 8, 2025

Alyssa has been a 9-1-1 operator for seven years. Every day she faces new challenges as she responds to emotional, mental and physical crises, while coordinating emergency response. Recently she experienced a true first in her career – she talked a couple through delivering their baby!

Thankfully the couple were parenting pros – this was their third child. And the delivering mamma is also an Air Force veteran, trained for stressful situations. They couple had planned to let labor take full effect before heading to the hospital, but things moved a bit faster for baby Zeke.

Well after the birth, EMS arrived. Everyone was healthy and doing great! A couple weeks later the family paid a visit to Alyssa at the 9-1-1 dispatch office so she could meet the little miracle she helped deliver via her headset.
Tuesday, January 7, 2025

Zoe Plastiras has been battling Lymphoma for two years! This past October she finally got to ring the bell and celebrate being cancer free! But then she turned around and saw her boyfriend on his knee holding a little black box.

Surrounded by 100 of their friends and family, the celebration of beating cancer turned into an instant engagement party! Now Zoe can turn her attention away from exhausting Lymphoma treatments to picking out table linens and flowers and cake!
Monday, January 6, 2025 – Epiphany – Three Kings Day – Enjoy that King Cake!

Louisiana author LaKeyta Samuel Britten didn’t set out to write a children’s book about investing, but when her young daughters showed interest in the stock market, she couldn’t help herself!

Britten’s book is called Kennedi and Kassedi Learn Investing and is available on Amazon and local bookstores. It’s a quick 24-page, easy-to-understand lesson on investing, designed for kids – but honestly, count me in! Now LeKayta is working with her daughters on special presentations based on her work to bring to schools nationwide.

Friday, January 3, 2025

Have you ever noticed that some types of music immediately help you feel at peace? In the Bible David played music to calm King Saul. With your smartphone you can pull up the LifeSongs App and hear a message of Hope 24/7. A couple of talented brothers in Colorado decided to use their well-practiced skills on the piano to help other teenagers with their mental health.

Alexander and Aiden Zhao both love classical music. Alex is in the Denver Youth Orchestra where he plays both the piano and bassoon. His younger 12 year old brother plays piano and saxophone. The dynamic duo created Music for Teen Mental Health (M4THMH) to use classical music to promote mental well-being.

They have put together a team of other talented musicians to put on concerts at hospitals, senior centers and local schools – all to promote mental health. As a non-profit they raise funds to cover the cost of counseling sessions for underprivileged teens.

Thursday, January 2, 2025

Henry Thomas is making a small but meaningful change among the forgotten residents of the most populous city in the US. Henry was homeless as a child, and his mother was unhoused for most of her life as well. Homelessness is a big problem in New York – as well as many cities across America. When Henry looks in the eyes of kids who are food insecure – he sees himself as a child.

Even just one meal can go a long way toward survival, so 11 years ago he started Free Food for the Homeless, a program he runs with his son. Every day, the two lug a cooler full of meals around the streets and subways of New York, serving food to hungry folks and seeking donations from others.

Henry says, “I’m not giving them food, I’m giving them hope.” Since 2013, Henry and his son have fed around 50 people a day. Father and son’s efforts remind many of New York’s unhoused people that they haven’t been forgotten.

And a special thanks to the residents and restaurants providing free food and water to the investigators in New Orleans responding to the terror attack on New Years. Food = Love.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Tuesday, December 31, 2024

Danny Moreno is a hero. Over three decades Captain Moreno served the fire department and EMS Services. But the retired Fire Captain wasn’t on duty this time – he was just at the movie theater watching Moana 2 with his wife and granddaughter. A few rows behind him, Allison Hannah started yelling for anyone who knows CPR!

6 year-old Mosie collapsed – a result of her heart condition that sometimes causes dangerous changes in heart rate. Not missing a beat, Captain Moreno leapt over the seats and began chest compressions on little Mosie.

Shortly after EMTs arrived and took Mosie to the hospital for a check up, but she got the all clear and went home that day. Later in the week the Allison clan and Moreno family got together for a dinner to celebrate the heroic actions of Captain Moreno and the health of Mosie – two families now forever entwined.

Monday, December 30, 2024

Some people become a footnote in history – but Olivier Rioux is so much more. He’s a FEETnote! The 7 foot 9 inches tall Florida Gator Freshman is the tallest player in college basketball History! Olivier even towers over Shaquille O’Neal!

It’s not the first time Olivier has been featured in the Guinness World Record book – he was named the world’s tallest teenager when he was only 15. He doesn’t even have to jump to dunk, which seems like the ultimate alley-oop opportunity!

The Canadian born baller is looking forward to helping the Gators take on SEC competitors with a simple game plan – throw the basketball so high that only Olivier can grab the pass.

Friday, December 27, 2024

New York Bus Driver Luis Jimenez is a hero. His keen eyes and caring heart saved the life of 5 year old Addy Gonzalez. He spotted the kindergartner wandering along on the street near 106th and Broadway. He had a passenger call 911 and they safely got her on the bus.

Turns out the little girl had left her school to find a pet shop to replace her pet fish. Thank God for Luis’ quick actions! A little while later, after the story got out, the pair were reunited for a follow up story – and of course Luis brought a special gift for Addy – a new goldfish!

Addy’s dad Cesar gave Luis a gift too – a cap that reads “Addy’s Hero.”

Thursday, December 26, 2024

Julie Ward and her Boston Terrier Millie Dog became Uptown celebrities during the pandemic. They would walk the sidewalks with chalk and leave little murals along the way. It was a way to brighten up the lives of their neighbors during a really scary time of isolation.

This past January Millie Dog passed away. The grief is still heavy on Julie’s heart – but the community love felt for Millie Dog has led to a special blessing. Millie’s House is a little free library box filled with art supplies, so kids and adults in Uptown can continue the tradition of brightening their sidewalks in honor of Millie Dog!

Neighbor hood donations keep the little sidewalk stop fully stocked with sidewalk chalk, paints, pens, pencils, canvas and more – they even have custom Millie Dog stickers for kids. How lovely that this sweet pup is still adding to the beauty of her neighborhood.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Friday, December 20, 2024

Moms helping other moms is always good news! A trend was born out of Nashville when Denaesha Gonzalez saw evidence of a selfless choice at her local Target. Denaesha found an abandoned purse next to the diaper display. Obviously a mom had opted to get the needed diapers over the cute little clutch. That is just one of a million selfless decisions moms have to make.

But this touched a tender spot in Danaesha’s heart. In her heart she wanted that mom to have the best of everything – the diapers she needed and the purse she wanted! She shared a video about this moment and went mega viral. But even better than online attention – Danaesha’s post sparked generosity!

Another social media mom bought a $100 gift card, wrote an encouraging note and hid it on the diaper aisle of her local store. It became the #shedeservedthepurse challenge which now has over 150 others on TikTok doing the same secret gift giving!

Thursday, December 19, 2024

19-year-old Reed Marcum out of McAlester, OK wanted to make this Christmas a very merry Christmas for all kids in his community – so he put on a toy drive and proceeded to host the biggest 4-H toy giveaway in Oklahoma history!

Reed and his 4-H group gave away over 15,000 toys to kids and families over the course of one glorious weekend! And this isn’t the first time Reed has played Santa for his community – he’s been doing toy drives since he was only 11 years old.

On top of giving away tens of thousands of toys over the years, Reed has also raised over $3.5 million in funds and donated goods, including an annual book bag giveaway. Reed is now a pre-law sophomore at Oklahoma State University. He hopes to defend the helpless in courtrooms one day.

Wednesday, December 18, 2024

A Missouri school held multiple meetings with parents over what to rename their K-8th school building – and in the end it was a unanimous decision. They named the school after their beloved, longtime custodian, Claudene Wilson!

The ribbon cutting ceremony at Claudene Wilson Learning Center was a sweet and emotional moment for Claudene and all who love her … which is everybody in this community! The 64-year-old has served the school as the chief custodian and janitor, plumber, landscaper, school bus driver, cafeteria worker and perhaps most important to the kids – door greeter every single morning!

The kids love and trust Claudene – she is the ultimate school MVP and now the school bears her name in big silver letters!

Tuesday, December 17, 2024

Bekah is an army wife. Her husband Chris is deployed overseas, leaving her lonely on her 30th birthday. It’s hard to be thirty and flirty and thriving when you are all on your own. Thankfully Bekah has the BEST in-laws.

Her mother and father-in-law drove 17 hours to celebrate Bekah on her big day! Shout out to all of our military families that have celebrated big moments without their spouse or parent – but have had great friends and family stand in the gap.

Monday, December 16, 2024

Bill and his wife Becky have been married for over 50 years and together have tried to visit every state capital in the US. It’s number one on their bucket list – and time is running out, as Bill is terminally ill. Their local Chickfila in Houston, TX stepped up to get the precious couple the last capital on their list: Juneau, Alaska!

Because of Bill’s illness the couple can no longer travel long distances, so the team at Chickfila reached out to the Alaska State Capital employees and sent a copy of Bill and Becky’s wedding photo. Alaskan capital employees snapped photos with the couple’s picture at various sites in front of the Capital building, signed the couple into the visitors’ log and sent a bundle of souvenirs from the gift shop back to Texas.

The Houston Chickfila team even commissioned a drawing of the couple standing at the Mendenhall Glacier in Alaska and presented all of these gifts to their very special customers – who were thrilled to get their 50th capital.

Friday, December 13, 2024

Summer Clayton founded Dinner with Dad on social media under the name YourProudDad and now has peaceful meals with 2.4 million kids and adults alike. Summer’s premise is simple – he sets two plates on the table – one for him and one for you. He prays a prayer of thanksgiving for the food and then as he dines – chats with his viewers.

His followers have posted about how nice it feels to be asked about their day and to have a peaceful meal that feels like real family time. Summer has also posted some simple how to videos as the internet’s favorite Dad. He’s taught followers how to shave, tie a tie and offer wisdom and encouragement.

Thursday, December 12, 2024

Most of us do the bulk of our Christmas shopping from our phones – and like magic the gifts show up in boxes at our front door! But it is not magic – it’s hard work done by folks like Brandon who works for UPS in Red Wing, MN.

A 14 year old girl named Mari Hanson decided to honor the brown-shorts-wearing delivery man with a custom art installation by her mailbox. The artistic teen created a diorama art box entitled “Petite Postal Place Featuring: Brandon.”

Brandon was blown away by the girl’s kindness and talent – snapping picks with the art installation to share with all of his friends.
Wednesday, December 11, 2024

3-year-old John Coleman is a happy little boy. He’s got a ton of toys to play with, but everything stops every Tuesday morning – garbage pick-up day. John has been a fan of the big lime green trucks that pick up their garbage for his entire life.

Every week John runs out to greet his garbage collector, Craig Hodges. John demands a big hug and usually brings Craig a snack, like an apple or some other treat. Then Craig lets John toot the truck’s horn before he is tearfully pulled away by his mom.

When John began pre-school he was no longer around on Tuesday mornings, which bummed out Craig and John both. So Craig worked with his bosses to change his pick-up route so he could end the day at John’s house after he got back from school!

Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Most brides do not want any sort of surprise at their wedding – after spending countless hours putting together their dream wedding, most would not welcome unexpected guests interrupting the ceremony – but when Cintia Pereira saw the surprise guests her husband-to-be arranged to crash the wedding, she burst into happy tears!

Cintia is a speech therapist in Brazil. She works with a lot of special needs kids, many with Down’s syndrome. When it came time for the ring bearer to walk down the aisle, Cintia got a parade of her students all dressed to the nines. Her husband had planned the whole thing out for months!

Monday, December 9, 2024

If you are going to build playgrounds for kids it makes sense to have your kids actually design the playground of their dreams! 11-year-old Rosili Olson put crayons to paper to show what she felt would be the perfect playground for little kids in her Utah neighborhood. Rosili has a little sister and wants only the best for her!

Mom and Rosili visited their City Hall and met with the Parks Department. They had a budget but no design … until Rosili handed them her drawing! The city put the new playground near the Olson’s house with the right slides, climbing structures and color scheme put together by the awesome big-sister – who even got to be a part of the ribbon cutting ceremony with her little sister.

Friday, December 6, 2024

What’s cooler than being an astronaut? Being a high-fashion designer astronaut, of course. Luxury fashion house Prada and commercial space company Axiom Space have unveiled the designs for a spacesuit that will be worn for NASA’s Artemis III moon mission. 

The slick-looking suits include a range of innovative features and will allow astronauts to spacewalk for at least eight hours a day due to specially engineered boots. The suits will be made with a white material able to reflect heat, offering protection from extremely high temperatures and lunar dust. 

Plus, a brand like Prada knows a thing or two about textiles, and their understanding of fabrics and sewing techniques showcased the practical side of fashion. “This is a groundbreaking partnership,” said Russel Ralston, executive vice president of Axiom Space, about the collaboration. “We’re blending engineering, science and art.”

Thursday, December 5, 2024

Jamie Lynn Dorr and her husband moved to a new town. Starting over is hard for anyone. Now add a special needs child to the mix. Their son Bowen had many challenges, but God put an angel of a person in this family’s life – Bowen’s teacher Holly Allgood.

Holly practically adopted Jamie Lynn and her son. She walked them through many challenges. When Bowen’s health took a turn, Ms. Holly would Facetime with the little boy every day from his hospital bed.

Bowen needed a liver transplant and neither of his parents were a match. One guess who was… Holly Allgood!

Jaimie Lynn says “Holly Allgood isn’t just [Bowen’s] teacher, she’s not just our friend, but truly our hero and is laying her life down to give Bowen life and I am grateful Bowen will have a piece of her always.”

Wednesday, December 4, 2024

In 1996, Master Sergeant Gordon Storey was tasked with launching and leading a volunteer program on Dyess Air Force Base in Texas. He barely knew where to start. And yet, nearly 30 years later, the Dyess We Care Team is going strong. With the help of 15,000 volunteers, his nonprofit has completed hundreds of projects for the elderly and others in need in and around Abilene, Texas.

However, that’s not the only benefit of the program. Storey explains that having community outreach opportunities can significantly improve an airman’s mental health. He’s seen and experienced firsthand how isolation and monotony can lead airmen to feel unhappy and unfulfilled, sometimes leading to dangerous behaviors like substance abuse. Working together and doing something that results in tangible good is a game changer.

Tuesday, December 3, 2024

YOU are the Good News Story today! When you give to LifeSongs on #GivingTuesday, you help spread the Gospel through music and ministry – AND on Giving Tuesday, we’ll send you a special present for your gift – the limited edition 2024 LifeSongs Christmas Ornament!

Ooooh! Aaaah! Just imagine how nice that will look on your Christmas tree!

GIVE NOW on Giving Tuesday!

Monday, December 2, 2024

It all started out of boredom. Manuel Vera was stuck at home in Silver Springs, MD during the COVID lockdown. The 74-year-old retiree needed something to do with his hands and wanted to help out his neighbors. So the handyman started asking around for old and broken bikes. He took the donated wheels into his backyard shed and got to work.

Manuel restored bike after bike – and offered them up for free to kids and adults who needed some pedal powered transportation. Around this time there was an influx of refugees from Afghanistan. These families had nothing – and no way to get to work or school. So Manuel began more large scale bike giveaways to serve these new neighbors.

Now Silver Springs all know Manuel as “The Bike Dude” who has provided more than 700 restored bikes to people of all walks … or rides… of life. Some people use the bikes for exercise – others for necessary transportation, but all of them are grateful. And Manuel is just happy to be of service.

THANKSGIVING/BLACK FRIDAY

Wednesday, November 27, 2024

Almost a decade ago we first heard the story of how Wanda and Jamal became family. Wanda “The Thanksgiving Grandma” accidentally texted the wrong number – Jamal’s number – to invite one of her grandchildren to Thanksgiving dinner. Jamal befriended Wanda and the 16 year old didn’t have any Thanksgiving plans – so he began a tradition of joining the Dench family each year.

Their friendship has only grown. Together this unlikely pair have been there for each other through good and bad times – like when Wanda’s husband Lonnie passed away in 2020 from COVID.

This year the Thanksgiving celebration is even more important as Wanda, now in her mid 60s, is battling breast cancer. Jamal will be there with the rest of the family to give Thanks for another year of having such love in their lives. And Wanda is using their online fame to encourage other women to continue getting checked each year – catching breast cancer early can save your life.

Tuesday, November 26, 2024

In Kenya, young Lemashon was among a group of boys and girls who received shoebox gifts in their extremely remote village. He was overjoyed by the presents he pulled from his shoebox, but even that was not the best part of the outreach event for him. It was the first time he’d heard about Jesus Christ, and his heart was glad to receive Him as Lord and Savior. Lemashon immediately enrolled in The Greatest Journey to learn more about the King of kings. He then started sharing the Gospel with his family, friends, and neighbors who had never heard the Name of Jesus Christ.

Lemashon’s passionate words are reaching those who have felt lost in despair for so long. His encounter with Christ through Operation Christmas Child has paved the way for the Gospel to shine forth.

Even though collection week is over – you can still pack a shoebox gift with OCC – with some online shoebox shopping!

Monday, November 25, 2024

In 1993 the very first Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts were delivered. Now, more than 30 years later, the ministry has grown by leaps and bounds and crossed a major milestone – the 200 MILLIONTH shoebox gift packed and delivered! Let that giant number sink in – 200 million Christmas presents…

Elizabeth Goff is on an international tour working for Operation Christmas Child to celebrate the 200 millionth shoebox gift. When Elizabeth was a young girl in a Ukrainian orphanage, she received an Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift – and has since joined the hard working team to share the Gospel around the globe. She is traveling the country sharing her story – packing more gifts – and she hand delivered the ceremonial 200 millionth OCC gift to a child in her home country – war-torn Ukraine.

Elizabeth reminds people at each packing stop that this gift is not just going to make it a special Christmas for a child – but that an entire community will learn about Jesus and witness His love in action because of the work being done through Samaritan’s Purse. Today is the last official day of National Collection Week – but you can still build a shoebox gift online – any day or time of the year!

Friday, November 22, 2024

Leila Mae Cummings is a 98 year old Greensboro, NC native who loves sharing Jesus with kids around the world through Operation Christmas Child. She packs hundreds of gifts, year round. She grew up on a farm, so she likes the hard work. This past year she packed almost 900 shoebox gifts all by herself!

Leila Mae loves putting together gifts for children and says she hopes God lets her keep on working until it’s her time to go home.

Thursday, November 21, 2024

In the heart of the Huasteca jungle, Operation Christmas Child partners with local churches to share the Gospel – and give Christmas presents to children – all in their native languages.

Wherever the Gospel is shared – lives are transformed – and the jungles of Mexico are suddenly bursting with new life because of the shoebox gifts you put together!

Wednesday, November 20, 2024

Saliha received an Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift and it completely changed the course of her life! As a young teen in Central Asia, Saliha was overjoyed to be given such a gift – that included her favorite gift ever – a new kite! Even better – the relationships she made at her new church helped her not feel so alone.

Saliha’s family was broken by divorce when she was very young. Her mother moved overseas to earn enough money to care for Saliha and her younger brother – who went to live with the aunt. With a lovely kite in hand and Jesus in her heart, Saliha made close friends that helped her remain joyful as she grew.

Now Saliha is married with a child of her own – and busy finishing her studies at University. She plans to become a teacher – and also teach about Jesus at her church.

Tuesday, November 19, 2024

When Hurricane Otis slammed Mexico in October of 2023 – many families lost everything. Acapulco went from being a jewel of the coast to shattered homes and muddied roads. Now whenever there is a thunderstorm, families huddle close with PTSD.

But these families also witnessed God’s people hard at work for their benefit. Hours after the storm cleared, workers poured in to help clean and rebuild. Pastors Ulises and Yesenia drove down to the hardest hit town of La Barra de Coyuca with supplies loaded in their car.

They organized Operation Christmas Child for the communities to get clothes and replace all the toys these children lost in the storm. Samaritan’s Purse was able to equip over 300 churches in the area and mobilized hundreds of volunteers to continually help these communities.

Monday, November 18, 2024

Pastor Jacob, his family and a small ministry team had the unenviable task of getting Operation Christmas Child gifts and resources to a hidden Filipino community, nestled in the mountain forest. There are no roads – only 35 miles of slippery, muddy forest trails.

Pastor Jacob built a container wrack for his dirt bike and loaded up as many gifts as it would carry before setting out on the perilous mountain journey to deliver the gifts and the gospel. Fifteen times the dirt bike tipped over and had to be reloaded. Eventually the motorcycle could go no further and the team carried loads by hand up the dangerous trail.

They crossed three rivers, fighting to keep the goods safe and dry. But eventually the team arrived with Christmas in tow! The Gospel was shared – miraculous healings happened in the village too! The response from this remote village was so great that the locals began harvesting lumber to build their own church building in the center of the hidden town.

Friday, November 15, 2024

Esmerelda, her daughter Fernanda and their neighbors will never forget the night Hurricane Otis hit their community just outside of Acapulco. 10 year old Fernanda was terrified as she and her mom hid underneath the bed as winds ripped their roof clean off. Buried in mud along with all of their belongings – they were rescued by Esmerelda’s father and gathered, now homeless with the rest of the family in a shelter near by.

Samaritan’s Purse was on the ground hours after the storm moved away – providing food, clothing and resources for the devastated community. One night the family was invited to a local church for Operation Christmas Child. Esmerelda hadn’t seen her daughter smile and laugh with her friends since the storm. Fernanda’s gift box had some toys, socks and most importantly – a notebook and colored pencils. The little artist was thrilled!

Thursday, November 14, 2024

Operation Christmas Child has been delivering shoebox gifts to Cambodia for many years – planting churches and providing care for people in the most rural locations. 14-year-old Makara remembers getting his first Christmas present and hearing about God’s love.

Makara shared how he was so lonely and hurt when his parents got divorced when he was 9. His home was not a place of love. But he recognized the Love of Jesus as real and lasting – gave his life to Christ and found a hope and joy he never knew existed.

Wednesday, November 13, 2024

Most of Grenada’s diverse agriculture comes from the lush volcanic soil in St. Andrew. But don’t let the beauty and bounty fool you – there’s a dark side to this island village.

Poverty, crime, drug use, gambling and abusive homes abound in St. Andrew. Looking just beneath the surface this tropical paradise is becoming a paradise lost. The ones who suffer the most from these conditions are children – many are completely neglected as their parents fight for survival.

But when Operation Christmas Child visits the local churches and delivers Christmas and a message of hope – you can feel the shift in attitude. Kids laugh and play – parents are mentored – the world gets a little bit brighter as these families come to know Jesus through a simple shoebox gift. Plus local pastors like John Braithwaite are getting long term support with ministry partners!

Tuesday, November 12, 2024

Years ago Pastor Paata gave a young deaf boy a shoebox gift. That gift changed Akaki’s life. Now a young man, Akaki serves alongside Pastor Paata to bring Jesus to the country of Georgia – specifically to the deaf community!

Akaki remembers that his favorite part of the gift he received so many years ago was not the great toys – it was a picture of a family from America. He couldn’t read the letter inside – he would learn English later. But he saw a family who he instinctively knew truly loved him.

That love changed him – brought him to Jesus – and now he shares that love with his people. Akaki suggests picture books and comics for kids who can’t read yet.

Monday, November 11, 2024

Seven volunteers and an Operation Christmas Child coordinator loaded up two cars and a pick-up truck with shoebox gifts, groceries and supplies and headed into an active war zone. The exact locations are kept quiet due to sensitive political and safety reasons. Their small convoy was ushered into a bombed out town by police.

The town was mostly rubble. People were living in tents. A portion of the population had evacuated to another neighboring village, where Operation Christmas Child was able to meet the needs of over 100 children and their families. They prayed with the shell-shocked. They served food and medical care. All the while they could hear bombs and gunfire in the distance.

When asked why these missionaries would voluntarily go into danger to deliver Hope to children they responded “The Lord has called us to bring peace and restoration to the places where war brought destruction.”

Friday, November 8, 2024

If you are going to accept a missionary position, there probably aren’t as many sweet assignments as French Polynesia. Just a 90 minute boat ride away from where the Olympic surf competition was held is a cluster of small villages in Tahiti where Operation Christmas Child is sharing Jesus, along with wonderful gifts for children.

Samaritan’s Purse has been investing in these villages for 2 years now, with families begging for extra Greatest Journey classes for all of their children. For these kids, the presents are nice, but learning about Jesus and finding a loving community in Christ is worth more than gold!

Thursday, November 7, 2024

Pastor Roger and his wife Shirley – along with dozens of parents had happy tears pouring down their faces as they watched their children open Operation Christmas Child presents. Pure joy rang out as kids laughed and played and celebrated Christmas in the streets of San Lorenzo, Paraguay.

Pastor Roger has served Iglesia de Dios with dwindling hope. Despair filled the city and the church was preparing to close its doors for good. But God reignited the spirit of this poor neighborhood in South America through Operation Christmas Child. Just this year over 183,000 gifts were given out and the faith of the young people of Paraguay will shape this country’s future!

Wednesday, November 6, 2024

The Caucasus region of Asia Minor has not always been receptive to the Gospel. Parts of Georgia and Azerbaijan have been wedged between the Soviets and the Middle East with centuries of tension and conflict. But thanks to Christmas presents through Operation Christmas Child, that has begun to change.

One of the church leaders in a small gathering of believers is 15 year old Ketevan. She was introduced to Jesus when she was just six years old and got her first Operation Christmas Child gift. It wasn’t just the school supplies and cute gloves that made her happy – it was the idea that someone loved her because Jesus loved her. She wanted that too. She chose that.

Now this teenager helps a full-time missionary to her region, who happens to be Korean. Together they lead weekend worship services and share Jesus with the young community. They pray for and expect a nationwide revival.

Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Genaro grew up on coffee plantations in Mexico. As a young man he was diagnosed with terminal cancer. His father could do nothing but pray. Genaro Sr. recruited every friend and pastor he could find to pray for his dying son.

And God did a miracle! There was no medical treatment – it was supernatural healing. Both father and son dedicated their lives to sharing Jesus from that point forward.

Genaro Jr. became a teacher of The Greatest Journey – which is a discipleship program that teaches communities after Operation Christmas Child delivers presents. Now his life is filled with sharing Jesus with children in Mexico – and we can partner with him through Operation Christmas Child!

Monday, November 4, 2024

Rita Danso had a burden on her heart for unreached villages of her native Ghana. She had prayed and prayed but no one would go with her. The response was always – it’s too far – too dangerous – the road is too bad. Then she connected with Operation Christmas Child. They simply said, “Let’s go!”

And there were incredible challenges. These remote villages were nearly impossible to reach, but with the help of a tractor pulling supplies and shoebox gifts – and miles of muddy, rocky hiking, some isolated communities in Ghana were introduced to Jesus and their kids got their first Christmas presents.

Rita has become a fixture in the villages, sharing Jesus and teaching children. And it was made possible because of people all around the world participating in Operation Christmas Child!

 

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