Zimbabwe once was known as the bread basket of southern Africa. Large-scale farms supplied surrounding countries with corn, coffee, sugarcane, and other cash crops. Children attended school. Victoria Falls, or "the Smoke that Thunders" as the Lozi people call it, and herds of free-roaming game animals provided the country with a booming tourist industry.

But life in Zimbabwe has changed dramatically. Its people now rely on food aid to survive. Tourism has come to a standstill. And educated people are unable to find jobs.

Everything exploded in March 2008, after President Robert Mugabe lost the first round of national elections. He refused to acknowledge the victory of his opponent, Morgan Tsvangirai, and would not leave office. Tsvangirai later pulled out of the race, citing violent attacks on his supporters. He called for aid from the international community, stating that free and fair elections were not possible in Zimbabwe.

Hyperinflation seized the economy, unemployment soared to 80 percent, and cholera plagues camps filled with people displaced by political instability.

Even in national turmoil, the Gospel continues to advance in some of the country's most remote regions and forgotten places.

The Operation Christmas Child National Leadership Team, a group of Christian volunteers, has established regional networks in the country's 10 provinces despite difficult circumstances. In 2008, Operation Christmas Child worked through churches to distribute 130,000 shoe boxes with Gospel literature to give children and their families hope in the midst of this crisis.

"Operation Christmas Child has brought the body of Christ together," NLT coordinator Tawona Mtshiya said.

The shoe box gifts provide hope to girls like Abigail. The 13 year old is artistically inclined and wanted to pursue her interest, but her parents couldn't afford the supplies. Then she was given an Operation Christmas Child box at a local church.

"I received my gift box and was shocked," she said. "The drawing equipment I needed was inside. Today I have joy, and I understand that Jesus is my provider."

As many families struggle to provide for basic needs, the shoe boxes represent the promise of Deuteronomy 31:8: "The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

WAYS YOU CAN HELP

PRAY:
Please pray that the children in Zimbabwe will know they are loved by God.

GIVE:
To donate and deliver a gift into the hands of a child, please visit our donation page.