Meet Raul! He is my ministry host here in Craiova, Romania. He is the head of Hope Church Craiova, often found coordinating ministry days or encouraging Gap G with wise teachings. During the Christmas season, he works diligently on The Shoe Box Project.
The Shoe Box Project began in 1998. Every year since the beginning, Hope Church Craiova has packaged shoe boxes full of candy, toys, learning material, and bible content to give out to kids and teens all over the county.
Other Organizations from Germany and England partner with Hope Church to provide materials for the project. Churches in the area also work alongside the ministry to meet the needs of the project.
Boxes are usually sent to the church, but if they are not filled completely, volunteers will work to add more goods to the boxes. Since the Shoe Box Project is a way to share the gospel, a box half-empty could cause people to lose trust with the church. Amply filled boxes will gain more trust with the people in Craiova, bringing credibility to the gospel that is shared with them.
Hope Church is a hub that coordinates with other missionaries that are based in Roma villages to distribute the boxes. 3,500 kids had the opportunity to receive the gospel through The Shoe Box Ministry. My squad, Gap G, has helped distribute 1600 boxes so far!
Shoeboxes help express the love of God tangibly. With each delivery, Jesus is shared through Bible stories and Christmas carols. We give them a gift in their hands and Jesus in their hearts.
This ministry is so evidently used to glorify God in all things. It is strategic to develop a mission movement in the community. It is intentional with every piece of the ministry.
Raul’s excitement for The Shoe Box Project rises when he remembers the joy on the kid’s faces when they receive something so big. It isn’t normal for these children to receive anything for Christmas. Their expressions are overwhelming and remind him of the Lord’s goodness.
His favorite memories from the Shoe Box Project are when he has been able to lead kids and adults to Jesus and accept Him as their Savior.
As you can see, the Shoe Box Project is a blessing for everyone involved. Those who give and those who receive have a glimpse of the Fathers heart for generosity.
If you are interested in learning more about Hope Church and how they are reaching the hearts of Craiova, check out the link down below!
https://www.hoperomania.org/craiova.html
Thank you for sharing! Continuing to pray for you and your group as you press on and lean in to be His hands and feet. May your moments be used for His glory and may each encounter point others to Him.
Abbi, your photos are wonderful of this precious ministry of Hope Church. May you and your team continue to be helpful and hopeful as you minister there.
This blog was so awesome Abbi! The Lord has blessed you abundantly in photography.
abbi!! the way you capture the hearts and souls in these photos is truly incredible. I cant wait to see more!
Abbi!! These are incredible. You have such a gift and its so cool to see your art!
SOOOO BEAUTIFUL! The words, the photos, your hearts behind it all. This is one of my favorites ones you’ve posted!!