Beyond the Shoebox
Snyder Students on Mission
It was truly a privilege for our Snyder Students team to travel to the Operation Christmas Child Processing Center in Charlotte. We took four incredible students, and from the moment we stepped inside, we could sense that this wasn’t just another service project - it was a mission field. The energy was contagious. Encouragement filled the room. And what should have felt like a long four-hour shift passed in what seemed like a single, joy-filled hour.
What made the day so impactful was getting to see what happens beyond the shoebox. Our group was assigned to process boxes headed to an undisclosed, sensitive country. These weren’t the bright red-and-green boxes we pack each year. They were plain red, unmarked and unbranded, created intentionally for children in places where talking about Jesus openly isn’t allowed. Yet even in those restricted areas, these gifts quietly bring hope, joy, and the love of Christ.
Our students jumped right in at the inspection station. Together, we sorted through each box, checking for items that couldn’t be sent due to the sensitive nature of the destination. We removed personal notes, anything with country flags, pigs, camouflage clothing, dolls with removable clothing, playing cards, and items that depicted war. Every removed item was donated to another nonprofit, ensuring nothing went to waste.
After inspection, we taped each box securely, placed it in its shipping carton, and prayed over the boxes, their journey ahead, and the children who would one day open them. One of the leaders reminded us, “You’re on a mission trip today.” And he was right. This wasn’t overseas, but it was Kingdom work, work that mattered.
When our shift ended, the students asked, “Can we come back next year?” Their hearts had been moved. They saw firsthand how something as small as a shoebox can carry the Gospel into places we may never walk. For many of these children, likely in regions such as the 10/40 Window where access to Jesus is incredibly limited, this gift may be the first tangible expression of God’s love they have ever received.
We left Charlotte inspired and grateful, reminded that God uses simple things and willing hearts to reach the nations.
By: Kate Pearson
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