Samaritan’s Purse Brings Operation Christmas Child to March for Jesus
On Saturday, 16 May, Samaritan’s Purse joined thousands of believers at the 2026 March for Jesus event in Belfast, Northern Ireland, where staff encouraged participants to get involved with the Gospel-centred ministry of Operation Christmas Child.
Held annually in the heart of Belfast, March for Jesus brings together Christians from churches and communities across Northern Ireland for a public celebration of worship, prayer, and testimony. The event serves as a bold proclamation of faith in Jesus Christ and a call for believers to take the Gospel to the nations.
Samaritan’s Purse was honoured to present at the 2026 March For Jesus in Belfast where we were able to share about the impact of our program, Operation Christmas Child.
Throughout the day, the Samaritan’s Purse team met with men and women passionate about sharing the hope of the Gospel around the world. Staff spoke with attendees about the life-changing impact of Operation Christmas Child and how local churches are using shoebox gifts to reach children and families with the love of Christ.
“What a joy to join brothers and sisters in Christ at March for Jesus in Belfast, lifting up the name of Jesus and sharing about the ministry of Operation Christmas Child,” said Carey Gregory, Assistant Director for Operation Christmas Child. “Together with churches around the world, we are joining hands to share the hope of the Gospel and extend the opportunity for discipleship to millions of children worldwide.”
Since 1993, Samaritan’s Purse has collected and distributed more than 244 million shoebox gifts to children in more than 175 countries and territories through Operation Christmas Child. Packed with toys, school supplies, and hygiene items, each shoebox is a tangible expression of God’s love to a child in need.
Each year, Operation Christmas Child collects and then distributes millions of shoebox gifts to children from around the world to share about the love of Jesus Christ with them.
Through the project, Samaritan’s Purse partners with local churches worldwide to share the Good News of Jesus Christ and make disciples of the nations. Many children who receive a shoebox gift also can also participate in The Greatest Journey discipleship programme, where they learn more about following Jesus and growing in their faith over the course of 12 weekly sessions.
This year’s March for Jesus in Northern Ireland drew thousands of people to Belfast. Following a great time of worship and fellowship at Ormeau Park, participants marched through the city centre before gathering at Belfast City Hall for a time of worship, prayer, and testimony from Christians across the region.
Samaritan’s Purse was honoured to present the ministry of Operation Christmas Child to those in attendance, and we that pray God would use the event to inspire even more people to get involved. Darryl Nesbit, Regional Manager for Operation Christmas Child with Samaritan’s Purse, addressed the crowd and shared how God is working around the world through simple shoebox gifts.
Thousands of Christians from across Northern Ireland joined together at the 2026 March For Jesus event where they worshipped God, encouraged one another, and took a stand to share their faith.
When speaking about his experience sharing, Daryl said, “As we shared the mission of Operation Christmas Child, we were greatly encouraged by those who attended, as we shared the same purpose and desire, to bring the hope of Jesus, whether that was in the streets of Belfast or across the globe.”
Nick Cole, Director of Operation Christmas Child for Samaritan’s Purse UK, also reflected on the event, sharing, “It is such a joy to walk alongside Christians in Belfast declaring the name of Jesus over their city and also share how Operation Christmas Child aligns with their passion for the good news of Jesus to transform communities from Belfast to the ends of the earth.”
Samaritan’s Purse is excited to see how God continues to inspire families and churches across the United Kingdom to take part in Operation Christmas Child through events like March for Jesus and many others throughout the year.
To learn more about Operation Christmas Child and discover how you can be part of this life-changing ministry, visit SamaritansPurse.org.uk/occ today! Updated resources for 2026 are now available online for free download!
Support Operation Christmas Child
Can sponsor the costs of sending one shoebox gift to a child in need.
Could help with processing and shipping two shoebox gifts to children in need.
Can provide local churches with training and resources to distribute shoebox gifts at outreach events.
