Operation Christmas Joy

From Refugee Relief to Living Hope: A Mission Transforming Children’s Lives

Whether you’re in Iran, Turkey, Armenia, Afghanistan or Pakistan, the situation now feels bleak. Being a Christian, being a refugee, facing the trauma of conflict and persecution, being poor in any of these countries is tough.

Even more so for children experiencing these challenges where they are completely unable to change their circumstances.

Established in 2015, Operation Christmas Joy (OCJ) is at the heart, about sharing the joy of Christmas with children living in difficult circumstances. And it runs though the harsh winter months. It started as a response to the needs of refugees from conflict in the Middle East and has become a great operation which continues to impact children in many countries including Turkey, Armenia, Greece and Pakistan.

Ali had been suffering from depression. He was quiet and withdrawn. By the second session, he was dancing during breaks and had come alive! He was asking his parents to bring to church services too.

“We want to let them know they have a Father who loves them and Jesus who came that they might have life.” OCJ is an opportunity for us to look beyond our own community and see who amongst our neighbors need help. We have helped thousands of children from war torn countries and in refugee camps. Christians and Muslims alike.

Building Christian Community for Isolated Refugee Children

Today, OCJ has evolved from a single event to a series of weekly outreaches that enable us to build relationship with these children, offering them a loving community, regular educational and recreational activities that build their self-esteem and strengthen their understanding of who Jesus is and how they can relate to him.

Through games, we indirectly taught the children about the importance and impact of prayer in our lives.

The children were engaged throughout and kept asking if we could do this every week.

At the end of the session, the feedback was incredible and some of the children didn’t want to go home. What made me especially happy was that the following day, on Sunday, parents who hadn’t attended church in a long time came to church with their children.

We have had the joy, not only of strengthening Christian children in their own faith, but introducing Christ to many Muslim children in our community.

Read more about the challenges that Iran’s children face

Bringing Supportive Community to Persecuted Children

In closed countries like Iran and Afghanistan, OCJ has to be more discrete. Events run in much smaller groups in homes, with careful consideration to their safety.

Children still receive humanitarian aid, generously supported by the tithes and offerings of local churches. We provide mentorship and coordination from outside. We also provide content they can use as they gather. Here the availability of quality digital media becomes imperative.

Our children’s website, loaded with inspiration for such gatherings, provides ample material to use including art and craft activities and even music lessons! These healthy recreational activities are more important than we may understand looking through a Western lens. We are providing an environment in which children can explore and learn and develop skills without the undertones of propaganda and indoctrination.

Bringing Hope to Struggling Families

OCJ expresses the joy of Christianity, bringing hope to struggling families and connecting families directly to the love of Jesus and the hope of the gospel.

At the end of the six weeks, we give the children gifts to meet their practical needs and bring them a sense of joy. These include warm clothing or shoes, educational supplies, and a thoughtfully chosen toy or treat to make the season extra special.

Until now, these children didn’t know the meaning of a gift. Someone might give them money or old clothes, but what you did was give them their first experience of seeing and receiving personal gifts.

This action of the church helped me see a practical expression of true Christian love. I personally thank you for this beautiful project.

My son’s dream came true. Every time he puts on his jacket, he says: May God bless them, this jacket is so warm. Thank you for bringing God’s blessing to our house.

This experience has shown me that the church is the hand of God, lifting up those in need. OCJ meets needs, brings joy, shows Christ’s love, brings hope, and shares the gospel in a practical and meaningful way.

Why Your Gift Matters

Your generosity can change a child’s life this Christmas. Here’s how your support makes a difference:

• Real Help, Real Joy: Your donation brings warm clothing, toys, and school supplies to children who are struggling, offering them much-needed comfort and provision.
• Sharing Jesus’ Love: When you give, you help strengthen young believers’ faith and inspire them to share the love of Jesus with others, giving them courage and community.

• Building Hope: Your support replaces fear with hope, showing children that they are loved, have purpose, and are never alone with Christ by their side.
• A Global Family: By giving, you become part of a worldwide movement that stands with persecuted children, bringing them the encouragement and love they need this Christmas.

Your gift can light up a child’s world. Give today and make a lasting impact!

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Bring Christmas Joy to a Child Today

This winter, you can bring hope and a lasting impact to a child in need.

• $75: Bring Christmas Joy to a Child Today — Give winter clothing, treats, and love to a child in need, giving them the gift of warmth and joy this season.
• $122: Create Lasting Memories — Give one child a full OCJ experience, including six weekly events filled with community, fun, and a special gift that will uplift their spirits and strengthen their faith.
• $470: Transform a Community — Give six weeks of support for 10 children, including meals, fellowship, and activities, creating a safe space where they can grow, learn, and experience the love of Jesus.

Your donation today will bring light into a child’s life and share the true meaning of Christmas.

Read more about Transform Iran’s work in reaching the children