Women’s Conference Showcases the Global Impact of OCC
On Saturday, 21 June, Elim Pentecostal Church hosted the Aspire ONE Women’s Conference at the International Convention Centre in Newport, Wales, bringing together 750 women from across the United Kingdom for a day of worship, prayer, fellowship, and encouragement.
In collaboration with Elim, attendees learned about the life-changing work of Samaritan’s Purse around the world.
The Samaritan’s Purse team distributed more than 750 Operation Christmas Child tote bags and T-shirts, providing an opportunity to connect with both existing supporters and those interested in becoming involved with the ministry.
Richard Geary, a long-serving member of the Samaritan’s Purse team, also spoke about Operation Christmas Child and the lasting impact the project is having on millions of children worldwide. To illustrate that impact, Richard shared that 12.2 million children received an Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift in 2025 and that 3.5 million children made first-time commitments to follow Jesus Christ through The Greatest Journey discipleship programme.
Richard explained that those 3.5 million decisions for Christ equate to approximately 9,589 children coming to faith every day. As attendees reflected on the scale of what God is doing through Operation Christmas Child, there was an audible gasp throughout the auditorium.
One attendee from Clevedon Family Church summed up the response of many in the room, saying, “We have to do more shoeboxes at our church—it’s a no-brainer.”
The Aspire ONE Conference was a valuable opportunity to share how God is working through Operation Christmas Child and to encourage believers to take part in reaching children with the Gospel. Women left inspired by the impact of the ministry and equipped with a renewed sense of purpose to serve others and share God’s love through a simple shoebox gift.
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.
