By Angela Rice, Director of Short-term Missions

The Everlasting Smiles Shoebox goal last year was set at 10,000 boxes to go to Ukraine and Ukrainian Refugees. Thank you so much for your support! We sent 11,000 boxes along with many needed supplies such as toiletry items, diapers, blankets and warm clothes, hats, socks, gloves, scarves and flashlights. Thank you to everyone who donated and gave the gift of the light of Christ in a very dark place right now. Our boxes are used in many places to help missionaries gain contacts in communities to plant new churches and gain more contacts to grow existing churches. In Ukraine, the boxes were used to spread the light of Christ and offer people the chance to know the one who gives Everlasting Smiles.

As we were leaving our shoebox event in Poland to head home, our boxes were crossing the border into Ukraine. After returning, every morning for two months my inbox was filled with photos and blessings from the shoeboxes in Ukraine. The shoeboxes have been so special in Ukraine this year because they provided smiles to children who don’t have many smiles these days. They provide hope and encouragement to parents who can not give their children a gift right now.  And with every box, the story of Jesus is shared.  

For Christmas 2023, our boxes were originally scheduled to go only to Cape Verde and Honduras. However, after hearing of how much the shoeboxes impacted ministry opportunities in Ukraine, I felt led to share the gift of the shoeboxes there again this year. There are many excuses for why we should not do this. We have always only sent two containers. It will be more work. There will be more costs. But, I still felt a strong calling to do this.  

About the time God was speaking to my heart about tackling this new goal I was asked to speak at CBC chapel. The verse I was asked to share was Ephesians 3:20: “Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” 

I don’t know if that was for anyone else, but it surely was for me. I called my Everlasting Smiles Shoebox Team, and everyone is on board and agreed that we should do this.  

In order to send three containers,  we need to pack an extra 4,000 boxes.  Can you guys help with that? If everyone could pack just one box, we could reach our goal very quickly. It takes only about $25 – $30 to pack a box and that is including the $7 for shipping and a Bible. We are asking that you let us put the Bibles in since we will be packing different languages at different times.   

Don’t want to shop? No worries–we will pack for you! Give us a call 501-455-4977 and let us know!

In addition to shoeboxes, supplies will also be sent to Ukraine. When I asked Pastor Sasha what things are needed he said the following: hats, socks, warm clothes, toiletries, brushes, office supplies (notebooks, pens, colored pencils, paints, markers, etc.), reflective stickers, bracelets for the dark time of day (for safety on the road), various hygiene products (soap, toothpaste, brushes, antiseptics, etc.), simple board games (such as uno and checkers). All these things are always needed, suitable for all ages, for both boys and girls.

For more information visit our website at bmamissions.org/christmas-shoeboxesThank you for being a blessing to many!