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.
“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.
Will you help bring Christmas joy to a child this winter?
Your gift will make a lasting impact by sharing hope, community, and the love of Jesus with children in need.
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.
Week one was a huge success! We started in the morning with a children’s worship song, after which I asked each child to pray for our day. We organized various activities, including clay work, painting, crafts, games, and more. The children made crosses, and we decided to set up an exhibition to display all the children’s crafts, with plans to sell their work to raise funds for their needs. Through games, we indirectly taught the children about the importance and impact of prayer in our lives. We also had an exciting and enjoyable cooking activity that the children loved and enthusiastically participated in, even suggesting ways to improve the flavor of the food. Overall, we spent a very joyful and productive day with the children, which was warmly welcomed by their families. They cannot wait for next week!
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.
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 have had the joy, not only of strengthening Christian children in their own faith, but introducing Christ to many Muslim children in our community.
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 their first experience of seeing and receiving gifts. You made my children very happy by giving these gifts. I don’t know how to thank you! May God bless each and every one of you!
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.
Will You Help Make Their Christmas Brighter?
This winter, you can bring hope and a lasting impact to a child in need.
- $75 – Gives a gift to a child in need, including winter clothing and personalized treats
- $122 – Gives one child six weekly events and a full OCJ gift packet with clothing and treats
- $470 – Gives 6 weeks of community support for 10 children, including meals, fellowship, and activities
Join us in making this Christmas truly special. Donate today and transform a child’s life!
Will you help bring Christmas joy to a child this winter?
Your gift will make a lasting impact by sharing hope, community, and the love of Jesus with children in need.