Everlasting Smiles: Target Ukraine

By Angela Rice, Short Term Mission Coordinator · BMA Missions

“The devastation and destruction experienced in the lives of Ukrainians this past year have changed their lives forever. Our prayer is that, through Everlasting Smiles, not only will the shoeboxes bring a smile to a child’s face but also bring hope to a parent’s heart. Seeing their children happy brings a smile to faces and hearts that need it. Through giving out Christmas boxes to Ukrainians this year, we have a great opportunity to share the gospel with families that are in desperate need of hope... the hope that is offered through Jesus that helps us build relationships and connect people to our churches.” — Larry and Tammy Wood, BMA Missionaries to Ukraine and the Czech Republic.

This year, more than ever, we are excited to send our Christmas shoeboxes. We just finalized with Larry and Tammy Wood that shoeboxes will go to Ukraine and the surrounding countries housing Ukrainian Refugees. Can you imagine children receiving boxes full of gifts after what they have had to face? Can you imagine how much it will mean to parents who have been through so much sadness to see the excitement in their child’s eyes?

In each shoebox, there are many fun things children will enjoy. They are also packed with lots of love, and many prayers are prayed over them. But the most important thing we can give any child is the opportunity to know Jesus. Our prayer is that, through the ministry of Everlasting Smiles, we will open doors for our missionaries to tell families about Jesus and that the Bible inside each box will bring them closer to Him. For more information, including packing instructions, visit bmamissions.org/christmas-shoeboxes.

Donations

Would you like to make a donation so we can pack boxes for you? We can do that! The cost of each box is $25. This includes the box, wrapping, gifts, Bible and shipping costs. Please send your donation to Everlasting Smiles, P.O. Box 878 Conway, Ark. 72033.

Drop-off information

We are thankful that we now have four regional drop-off stations for your boxes. The local drop-off stations at churches listed on our website are still accepting boxes, but we have added additional ones. These stations will serve the same purpose as our Conway location — to pack your shoeboxes and get them ready for shipping. Regional stations will deliver your boxes to the Conway office ready for shipping. What a blessing!

Here is a list of the regional and local drop-off stations and contact information:

• Arkansas — BMA America Office (611 Locust Street, Conway, Ark. 72034); Angela Rice at (214) 498-3041; Prospect Baptist Church (1603 Hwy. 349, Jonesboro, 72401); Theresa Book at (870) 598-4908 or Mike Book at (870) 598-7232.

• Mississippi — Southeastern Baptist College (4229 Hwy. 15 N. Laurel, Miss. 39440); Anderle Foster at (601) 344-8656.

• Texas — Fellowship Baptist Church (992 FM 1520, Pittsburg, Texas 75686); David Kizer at (903) 767-1151.

Please contact your drop-off station and set a drop-off time. This will speed up the drop-off process. We appreciate you so much for your involvement in this ministry. If you have questions, please reach out to me at angela@bmamissions.com or (214) 498-3041.