Operation Christmas Child: A Story of Simple Gifts

by Franklin Graham, Donna Lee Toney

It was a simple idea that became the worldwide ministry of Operation Christmas Child—to minister to children in war-torn and famine-stricken countries.  In just two decades it has inspired everyday people to provide more than 100 million gift-filled shoeboxes to needy children in 130 countries. This beautiful book weaves the moving, God-saturated story of the ministry’s beginning with the soul-stirring, Christ exalting stories of lives that have been forever changed by a simple shoebox.  Operation Christmas Child  is filled with full-color photos of children whose smiles help tell what is a thoroughly hopeful story. Samaritan's Purse President Franklin Graham provides insight as the incredible stories of life transformation are told. Proceeds from  Operation Christmas Child  go to support the ministry it seeks to celebrate and honor.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, Christmas, History, Christianity, Faith, Memoir

352 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2013

About the author

Graham is the child of Billy Graham & Ruth Bell Graham

"William Franklin Graham III (born July 14, 1952), known as Franklin Graham, is an American Christian evangelist and missionary. He is president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) and of Samaritan's Purse, an international Christian relief organization."
-- Wikipedia

Reviews

[SoulSurvivor · Rating 5 out of 5]

You don’t have to be a Jesus follower or even a God-believer to benefit from reading this book . I you have concern or sympathy for children that are impoverished , orphaned , deformed , wounded , or , even just afraid , this book will inspire and comfort you . It made me interested in volunteering for OCC this year !

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book was spectacular. It gave so much insight into OCC and what it’s doing for the children who receive the gifts we pack each year. Some of the accounts in this book blew me away and reminded me of God’s awesomeness! I highly recommend.

[Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls) · Rating 4 out of 5]

{Merry CHRISTmas everyone! Every Monday, Wednesday & Friday in honor of our Savior’s birth there’ll be a new Christmas book review! With a couple giveaways sprinkled in, it’s going to be so much fun! Let’s start!}

About this book:

“It was a simple idea that became the worldwide ministry of Operation Christmas Child—to minister to children in war-torn and famine-stricken countries. In just two decades it has inspired everyday people to provide more than 100 million gift-filled shoeboxes to needy children in 130 countries. This beautiful book weaves the moving, God-saturated story of the ministry’s beginning with the soul-stirring, Christ exalting stories of lives that have been forever changed by a simple shoebox.
Operation Christmas Child is filled with full-color photos of children whose smiles help tell what is a thoroughly hopeful story. Samaritan's Purse President Franklin Graham provides insight as the incredible stories of life transformation are told.”


Series: No, it’s a Non-Fiction.


Spiritual Content- In Dedication Ephesians 6:6-8 is written out; 84 (read that eighty-four!) Scriptures are referenced and/or quoted; A mention of people in Balkan believing that their god (note little ‘g’) was punishing them for Adam & Eve’s sin; Amazing Only God, goose-bump worthy & shivers at God’s planning!; Amazing Faiths & Prayers!
*Note- “If any place on earth could resemble H*ll, Rwanda was it.”, graffiti there says “Welcome to H*ll”.


Negative Content- Mentions of countries with stealing, war, slavery, killing, famines, violence and prison.


Sexual Content- A mention or two about unwed mothers & rape.

Non-Fiction, told by Mr. Franklin Graham
302 pages with pictures

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Pre Teens- Three Stars
New Teens- Four Stars
Early High School Teens- Five Stars
Older High School Teens- Five Stars
My personal Rating- Five Stars
Goose-bumps! This book gave me goose-bumps! I’ve done a box or two for OCC every year for as long as I can remember. Reading how this wonderful organization got started and all the God-things was so amazing!



Link to review:
http://booksforchristiangirls.blogspo...



*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.

[Faith Spinks · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 1993 Samaritan's Purse first got involved in Operation Christmas Child sending gifts to children affected by the war in Bosnia. This book is the story of the growth of the ministry of OCC. It is an easy to read book full of short stories of the impact of both the giftboxes and the follow up discipleship programme. The format of short story after short story made it easy to dip in and out of, and I've enjoyed reading it gradually over the last months. Inspiring and fun stories.

[Hannah Mozingo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book tells a beautiful story of stories. Of lives changed through simple gifts, of hearts warmed through extended love, of people gathering together to make a difference. It tells the story of Operation Christmas Child and boy, what a journey it takes the reader on! Story after story unfolds of God's goodness and power and love. It was so cool to delve into the history of this ministry and see how God has been working over the past 25+ years. It's amazing to see what he can do through willing people who have a heart to love the lost. This was a wonderful book to read in the lead up to Christmas, and I highly recommend it to anyone who has a heart to serve Christ.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very inspiring book filled with amazing stories that are each only a couple pages long. I read one story per day along with my morning devotions. If you have ever packed a shoebox or even if you haven’t, your heart will be uplifted as you read this book.

[Melanie Mead · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is full of incredible stories of changed lives! I've participated in the shoebox appeal for years but I had no idea of the powerful spiritual impact of these shoeboxes in the lives of children and their families. These simple gifts of love so often lead people to Jesus, the best gift. It was fascinating to read so many stories of how God puts just the right shoebox with just the right items into the hands of children who need those exact items. It was great to read these stories as a family and it inspired us to pray more for the children who would receive the boxes we packed. I also really enjoyed reading the history of the whole project and how it's developed over the years. I can't say enough about how enjoyable and inspiring this book is!

[Jessica Richards · Rating 4 out of 5]

After leading National Collection Week at my church, I wanted to learn more about Operation Christmas Child and its gospel impact on the world. This book has many stories about the shoebox ministry and also how the gospel has transformed so many lives. The book not only includes stories about shoebox recipients, it also includes stories about how the ministry was started and continues to evolve with the times. This book is such an encouragement to me to continue in participating in this ministry.

[Corgi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked Operation Christmas Child by Franklin Graham and Donna Lee Toney. This is a very simple book, but does a great job of explaining what Operation Christmas Child and the impact it has on people around the world. The chapters are very short, 1 to 2 pages, so it reads very fast.

I would highly recommend Operation Christmas Child to readers who like: Operation Christmas Child ministries and inspirational stories.

[Brandon Hannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an inspiring read. I definitely had to keep the tissues close by as Bro. Franklin told about some of the kids and families they encountered while on their shoe box distribution. And it was interesting to read how they got started and some of the BTS facts. I’m thankful my church has a part in this life changing ministry.

[C.G.Koens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not the best written book, but super easy to read, and the kids loved it! They are inspired this year to try to pack 100 shoeboxes for OCC, all because of our nightly family reading from this book. Some of the stories were really cool, God stories, and just amazing to see the way He orchestrated things. No detail is too small!

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very quick and easy to read; later elementary and middle schoolers would love it, I think, especially if they are accustomed to packing boxes. A good summary of Operation Christmas Child, though I frequently found myself wanting more meat and fewer one-page chapters.

[Pam Mitchel · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was good to read how a simple shoebox can change lives. From God directing the right box to just the right child, and how adoptions came about from them. Thank you Franklin Graham and team for reaching children all over the world through this ministry!

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has given me a greater look into my favorite ministry, and has inspired me to do more than just buy gifts in November...this can be a year round thing!

[Jocelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The stories in this book are INCREDIBLE. What a blessing to read.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading the behind the scenes look at this organization. My favorite parts were the stories about children receiving exactly what they needed in their shoeboxes, as orchestrated by God.

[Cindy aka "The Book Fairy" · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fascinating and encouraging look at the adventures and ministry of blessing poor children and reaching many with the gospel:) A keeper and re reader!

[Sabrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I enjoyed a look into this wonderful ministry and the story of how they got started. I felt the chapters were cut off and short. I think if they combined it into longer chapters it would have been a smoother read. Every chapter is like a stopping/starting point so when they are only 1-3 pages long the story gets stinted and doesn't flow. However, it was a nice read and makes me look forward to filling a shoebox!

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ truly amazing stories of what only God could accomplish through this organization!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful stories of how the love of God is spread through something as simple as a shoebox!

[Sarah McCracken · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love packing shoeboxes! Reading how God moved so mightily to birth this ministry will motivate you to become more involved.

[Susan L Meister · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never have I cried so much reading a book. So many wonderful examples of God’s work at hand!

[Diana Buttram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great!! Loved the firsthand stories. Very inspiring. I’ve already started my shoeboxes for 2026.

[Leighann Wolle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Operation Christmas Child: A Story of Simple Gifts, is written by Franklin Graham. Graham, who is the CEO of Samaritan’s Purse, had a very clear purpose in writing this book. He wanted to do anything he could to make people aware of the impact the shoebox makes on those who receive them. Many times throughout the book, Graham uses different people’s testimonies to show the personal impact on the children receiving the boxes and the people who distribute them. This paints an emotion filled picture for the reader, making their impact feel known. One of my favorite testimonies shared was from a lady named Mary. She was in no way the typical picture of someone you would expect to meet the President of the United States, but because of her extensive work with Operation Christmas Child, she is given the opportunity. Graham’s other purpose for writing this book was to share the light of God with those who do not yet know him. Many people who participate in Operation Christmas Child are not Christians, but the more they learn about the work Samaritan’s Purse is doing through Operation Christmas Child, they begin to see the impact God has made on the lives of those who serve and who are being served.
There are many themes shown in this book. Many of them are shown through Graham’s purpose, giving and sharing God’s love, but there are more. Another one that sticks out is cultural difference. The book describes many different countries that shoebox distributions take place in. The countries are all very different. One of the examples was Bosnia. Bosnia was in the first years of recovery after war. To get to the school where the distribution would take place, the team had to travel through an area known as “Sniper Alley”. Although broad daylight, there were still many shooting there during the day. This is something almost no American can relate to this. One of the huge things Graham tried to show through this was the main and struggle the children had to go through every day in Bosnia.
The style in this book is hard to clearly note. It is separated into two to three page “chapters”. Each section tells a different story; sometimes relating to the story told previous to it, but sometimes not. The sections were sometimes testimonies, stories of Operations Christmas Child’s growth, and were also stories told Graham had heard and is then retelling. Although slightly confusing, the style is very effective for all the information they are trying to get across.
I really enjoyed this book. I love missions, so this tug on my heart strings. I have packed many shoeboxes and it was very encouraging to hear actual stories of kids who have received boxes. I would suggest this book to anyone who has packed a shoebox or has an interest in missions. The only thing I would change is the order of the book. I would have put all the testimonies together, then the history, and so on. Overall, it was very well written.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of Samaritan's Purse and the great relief work they do around the world. I've been participating in the Operation Christmas Child shoebox collection since 1997 or 98 and it's become one of my favorite holiday traditions. I look for things for our shoeboxes throughout the year so that I can get some really nice things to pack. This book walks through the history of OCC and how it continues to grow and change lives around the world. There are some real tear-jerker stories in here about the countless children who's lives have been touched by a simple shoebox of gifts. I was amazed at how many churches were started because of families and communities inspired to change their lives because of the OCC shoeboxes. There are also some really cool miraculous events that show just how much God's hand is on this organization and on these shoeboxes. One of my favorite stories from the book was at one shoebox distribution event they realized there were more kids than shoeboxes and they turned up 14 shoeboxes short. Then one of the distributors went back and was looking in the container and found an overlooked box with exactly 14 shoeboxes that were for the gender and age range of the kids who were waiting. If you're a fan of Samaritan's Purse and OCC then it's definitely worth reading this book. My only complaint was that I felt like the writing was a little choppy - the chapters are very short usually only a page or two. It was hard to get a feel for the overall history when it was written more like a collection of short clips of stories. There were lots of great and miraculous stories, but I didn't think it was written very well. I would still recommend it though.

[Ginger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will be one of my favorite books and one I will go back to read over again. It is also excerpts for chapters so it will be able to utilize as a motivational tool. Operation Christmas Child has always been something I took to heart. I absolutely love making and sending the boxes. I love the whole concept of it. I guess it takes me back to my GA days when we were taught missions and Lottie Moon especially. This book tells the story of how it came about, what its purpose was and what the results have been. I'm forever grateful for my sister in law for giving me this as a Christmas gift, only fitting I'd say. She actually volunteers at one of the processing centers. This year one of the girls who received a shoe box during her life was there. Her story was in the book, she autographed my chapter and sent a picture. What a treasure. It also gave different ways to prepare the gift.

[Courtney Hall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Operation Christmas Child is such a wonderful organization and this book gives the reader a little insight into how the ministry was conceived and affects those who received shoeboxes. I only wish that the book included more stories about the children who have received the boxes and less about the operations of the ministry itself. At times, it felt like the author was just name dropping. I am not moved by the stories about celebrities that go distribute boxes to children who have no idea who they are. I am incredibly moved by the stories about how profoundly the shoeboxes change lives of those who receive them and God's divine providence and grace.

[Katie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I love the ministry Operation Christmas Child and this poor review was in no way a reflection on Samaritan's Purse. I just felt that the book lacked substance. The beginning was interesting when Franklin told about how the ministry got started and the first few stories about passing out the boxes were interesting, but somehow the book never really took off. I felt that this book could have been a lot shorter, even a pamphlet or could have been interesting if people who had been touched by these boxes could have written their own stories. The writing to me was boring. Sorry, Franklin....

[Wendy Post · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved reading of all the miracles God has worked through this program! As a packer of shoeboxes for many years, I enjoyed getting a background glimpse of the program. It is a very easy read, with a new chapter beginning on every second or third page. The one drawback is that it is very repetitive with the mission of Operation Christmas Child. Even if you have never heard of OCC, you will know its mission by book's end.

[Lance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book about an awesome ministry. You'll learn more about Operation Christmas Child, which has been around for 20 years and distributed shoebox gifts to needy children around the world. Definitely a read that will motivate others to join in this great cause and a sure way to get into the Christmas spirit.