Journey After the Shoe Box

Children Get Discipleship Opportunity with The Greatest Journey

December 1, 2011 - “The hope is that children reached by The Greatest Journey will carry on their training beyond the classroom to teach others the Good News of Jesus Christ,” said John Cass, director of children’s discipleship at BGEA.

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. — Proverbs 22:6

By Lisa Moseley

Operation Christmas Child processing centers around the country recently held family day events and those who pack shoe boxes were invited to come catch a glimpse of the journey that ensues; from packing a shoe box and a demonstration in shipping, to a “class” from The Greatest Journey – a children’s discipleship and evangelism program.

Many children around the world live in deplorable conditions, places without resources to provide for the people who inhabit them. There, children lack healthcare and education, adequate food, clean water, and sometimes safe shelter. This is where the story of their journey begins, but not where it ends.

Recently, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) and Samaritan’s Purse have partnered together to offer the recipients of Operation Christmas Child’s shoe boxes spiritual assistance alongside the physical gifts.

In addition to the shoe boxes, children now have the opportunity to take part in The Greatest Journey, a 12-lesson study in which children are taught Bible stories through a variety of engaging activities. To date, the curriculum has been translated into more than 50 languages.

“Because so many impoverished nations do not have funding available to provide educational materials to children, The Greatest Journey program is a valuable tool,” said John Cass, director of children’s discipleship at BGEA. “Children who otherwise would not have access to faith-based learning receive teaching from trained adults and get their own workbook to take home with them.” Upon graduation from The Greatest Journey, children also receive their own Bible in their native language.

“The hope is that children reached by The Greatest Journey will carry on their training beyond the classroom to teach others the Good News of Jesus Christ,” said Cass. “Who knows where their individual journeys will lead as they grow in their relationship with Jesus.”

More information, including photos, videos and stories on The Greatest Journey can be found at http://greatestjourney.org. The Greatest Journey is also highilghted on December's CTV special.