Shoeboxes in Schools
// Tim DeTellis
When the teacher says, “It’s time to pass out shoebox gifts...” the kids begin to giggle.
They are so excited to see the surprises and blessings packed inside each shoebox. The song, “This is the day that the Lord has made...” is still a favorite among our students in Haiti. Our kids sing with joy and gratitude because at home, there were no gifts.
Christelle-Flore Alcidas, the pastor’s daughter, helped pass out shoebox gifts to the students in Lassale.
Smiles are being shared across our schools as students experience surprises inside their gifts. Thank you for your gifts of shoeboxes to bless our students and their families.
I remember sharing with a student about Jesus during a shoebox distribution in Lassale, Haiti, and she was afraid to accept Jesus because her mom practiced Voodoo. The school director, Pastor Jean Rigal Alcidas, sat down with her and shared his testimony. He accepted Jesus at church in Lassale on January 14, 1997, when he was a student of New Missions. He is now the school director and pastor. His new joy is the delivery of shoebox gifts. When asked what he thinks about the Shoebox Drive, he responded, “What I like most is the desire and joy the students have when the gift is given and the atmosphere in the school at that time. I like it very much.”
Pastor Jean Rigal gives shoebox gifts to the students in Lassale, Haiti, where he was once a student at New Missions.
Thanks to each person who packed a shoebox gift. Your love is reaching our students and their families. Together, we are sharing the Gospel and sending your gifts home with our students to bless their families. ~Tim DeTellis