How One Gift Helped a Girl Discover God’s Love: An Operation Christmas Child Story
What difference can one shoebox make in a child’s life?
For Kristiana Allenbaugh, it became a tangible reminder that she was seen, known, and loved—and an introduction to the hope found in Jesus Christ.
Growing up in Latvia, Kristiana experienced heartbreaking circumstances. By the age of six, she was caring for her two younger sisters. At ten, she and her sisters fled their home in the middle of a freezing winter night and eventually found safety in an orphanage.
But even in a safer environment, Kristiana struggled with feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness.
Then, at twelve, she attended an Operation Christmas Child outreach event.
There, she heard the gospel and received something she had rarely experienced before: a gift chosen just for her.
Inside her shoebox were school supplies, art materials, personal items, and a photograph of the teenage girl who had packed it. Every item reminded Kristiana that someone, somewhere, had thought about her.
And through that experience, she began to understand something even greater: God knew her, loved her, and was inviting her into a relationship with Him.
In this episode of the Teach Them Diligently Podcast, Leslie Nunnery talks with Kristiana about her remarkable story and how Christian families can share the gospel with children around the world.
You’ll hear:
- How God worked through heartbreaking circumstances in Kristiana’s childhood
- Why receiving a shoebox meant so much more than receiving presents
- How a simple photograph and personal gifts helped her feel seen and valued
- Why older children especially benefit from personal notes and thoughtful gifts
- Practical ideas for packing meaningful shoeboxes with your children
- How Operation Christmas Child creates opportunities for children to hear about Jesus
- How your family can participate in this year’s National Collection Week
Pack a shoebox with your family!
Operation Christmas Child National Collection Week is November 16–23, 2026.
Visit https://teachthemdiligently.net/occ/ to learn what to pack, find a drop-off location, and discover how your family can be part of sharing the good news of Jesus around the world.
Because the goal isn’t simply to give a child a present. It’s to point that child to the greatest gift of all—Jesus Christ.
Hear More Stories from Shoebox Recipients
PACK A SHOEBOX WITH YOUR FAMILY
National Collection Week, November 16-23, 2026
Samaritan’s Purse also allows families to track where a box goes when they make the suggested shipping/ministry donation online, which could be especially fun for homeschool families.