Introduction Then Jesus came to them and said, all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples, disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always to the very end of the age. Welcome to Exploring Missions, connecting mission needs with those equipped by God to meet those needs across the world or across town. And now, the host of Exploring Missions, Bert Harper.
Bert Harper You know there are important times of the year. I know each day is important. This weekend is important. But let me just declare to you that there is a week of November 16th through the 23rd that is just very, very important not only to individuals who are collecting items, maybe toys, toiletries, different things, but also those that are preparing to receive that which is collected. Well, if you don't know what I'm talking about, I'm talking about Operation Christmas Child, the shoebox campaign, and this weekend on Exploring Missions. We want to talk to someone that has experienced receiving those, but also now knows about sharing and giving. I am Bert Harper along with my co host Nathan Harper and Nathan, Operation Christmas Child. It's been around since 1993. It has become, I would say a great just tradition getting ready for Christmas. What do you think?
Nathan Harper Yeah, it really is. And National Collection week is November 16th through 23rd, you'll hear us talk about that a little bit more. But to help us talk about Operation Christmas Child and Samaritan's Purse and the global ministry where gift filled shoe boxes are sent to children in need around the world, together with the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. To help us talk about that is someone who actually experienced it firsthand. And we are thankful to have with us today Elena Hagemeier. Elena, thank you for joining us today.
Elena Hagemeier thank you for having me. I'm really excited to be here.
Nathan Harper Elena, can you tell us a little bit of the beginning of your story, where you grew up and how you've experienced the love of Jesus and a shoebox, how that went together for you?
Elena Hagemeier Absolutely. So I'm actually from former Soviet Union. I grew up there with my sister Yulia, and we're about two years apart. But we grew up in a very small town, in a very small house, in a very broken house in the sense of, just having a lot of broken windows and not being able to fix them because of how poor my family was. My parents, they would go off and they would work all day long, but they would never get paid with food or money. They would actually get paid with alcohol. And so while they were off working, it was my responsibility as the oldest to try to take care of myself and my sister. And so each morning as my parents left, we would get up and we would look for food in our kitchen and our drawers and just anywhere where we can think of where food should be or could be. And finding alcohol bottles, the next logical thing for us was to actually go outside and see what we could find in the nature. And I love the fact that even at that time, when I didn't know God, he knew me, and he provided things in the N to actually sustain us. And so that's how we survived was basically with what God provided in the nature. And every night he can kind of feel the darkness coming over our house. Because after a day of work, a day of drinking, my parents were coming home. And my dad was very drunk at that time. And then he would become very abusive. And so that was just a life that I had until I was about 8 years old. And when I was 8, my parents were caught stealing some items. And so they were put into prison. And myself and my sister, we were put into our first orphanage. And being of this first orphanage was basically like a, safe haven. Because at this orphanage they provided us with three necessary things at that time. And one of those things is just Being able to go to school. You know, even though my sister and I were two years apart, we actually started first grade together. And I loved going to school, love learning new things, loved being around other kids, loved feeling like a kid for the first time in my life. The second thing was that this were finished day provided were, caregivers. There was someone there 24, 7 as an adult that I could turn to if I needed help raising my sister. So that helped tremendously. And the third thing, which was my favorite thing was at, this orphanage, they provided us with three meals a day and a snack in between. And so that was such a different experience from, you know, the way we lived at the house. And so I don't know about you guys, but I enjoy food. And so having those three meals a day at the orphanage was like heaven. And, my sister and I, we actually stayed at this orphanage for about two years. And then after those two years, we were moved to our second orphanage, where, again, we had food, we had caregivers, we had a school. But the things we did not have did not have love, we did not have joy, we did not have hope. And there was just one year when I was just at, my lowest point. At this point, I felt very unloved. I felt very unwanted. I felt like a nobody. And that is when God provided me and my sister with the shoebox. And for us to receive a shoebox, that was a miracle in itself, because until that point, we had never received a gift before.
Bert Harper You know, when I hear that at the first orphanage, you were there about two years, but they did not participate in the shoebox campaign, right?
Elena Hagemeier Not at that. No, not that much.
Bert Harper So m. You were moved to this when you would be about 8, 10, or 11 years old, I guess.
Elena Hagemeier Right, Right. Yeah. And the only way I could actually figure out my age is by the grades that we were going into.
Bert Harper Okay,
Elena Hagemeier so, like the first grade, the second grade, we were at the first orphanage. The third and the fourth grade, we were in our second orphanage. And until we were adopted and got our birth certificate. I even know or, like, think about having a birthday that people would celebrate with me until I was adopted and found out when my birthday is and kind of had to do the math, as you were saying, to try to figure out, you know. So, yeah, so I was at the second orphanage. I was between the age of 10 and 12.
Bert Harper Well, okay, you received your shoebox there. And just tell us about that. Did it change your life?
Elena Hagemeier Oh, absolutely. Receiving a shoebox for me, my sister I mean, it changed our lives. And not just the sense of, like, feeling love and care from the person that packed. But the greatest thing is getting to know about Jesus. Like, when I received my shoebox, first of all, I was actually. Was, actually afraid to open my box because the box they handed to me was an actual shoebox that somebody took up their time to actually wrap in the colorful wrapping paper. And so, like, for me, just holding that shoebox and the colorfulness of it and the fact that it sparkled, you know, it was the most amazing wrapping paper I have ever seen to that point. And so I was just amazed by the shoebox that I was holding. And I was actually afraid to open it because I thought the outside of it was beautiful. And I was afraid to open it just because I didn't know what to expect on the inside. And I felt like I've been disappointed so many times in my life by this point that I felt like if I was to open that box, there might be another disappointment. And I just. I liked the way it was on the outside. But, at the same time, I wanted my sister to have the best that she could have. And so my logic was, if she doesn't like her Shabbat, she could have mine. But again, I didn't know God at that time, but he knew me and he knew my sister. And so my sister and I were completely like different people. She's an artistic type of person. I am completely not. But being at the orphanage, she couldn't practice her artistic skill because the resources that we had, which is an interesting thought, because here in America, you know, you have art class, you have all of these fancy things in schools. And the orphanage that we were at, we didn't have an art class. And the pens and the paper that we have, that was for actual classes Dali actually did have. And so she just couldn't pick up a piece of paper and doodle with it. And so she got her shoebox. And as, she got her shoebox, she opened it, and everything in that shoebox was artistically related of a girl of her age, that everything she wanted, everything she loved was in that shoebox. And so I'm watching my sister, right? And I'm afraid to open my box. And I'm holding my box, I'm watching my sister, and she's pulling out all of these item out of her shoebox. She had crayons, she had markers, she had a strip, ah. Of watercolor paint. And watching her pulling all of these items out, showing them to me. Her smile is just growing bigger and bigger and bigger. And that smile actually gave me first strip in my box. And so when I opened my box, my box literally was glowing pink from the inside out. Which amazing thing is the fact that I love color pink, but just the fact that God knew that about me and he gave me a shoebox of color pink, you know, And I had pink socks in my box, and they were fantastic for a, ah, winter night at the orphanage. We had a teddy bear. I had a teddy bear in there. He was pink. I had an actual Barbie, like a physical Barbie with a pink sparkly dress. I had this amazing pan that I really, really loved. It was a pink pan. It had flu the top, and there was a wire and a heart that would dingle on it. Have you guys seen those before?
Bert Harper Yeah, what you're talking about? Yeah,
Elena Hagemeier yeah. And so I was just fascinated by this kind of going like, ding dong, ding dong for like five minutes straight. And it was an amazing experience for me until I got to a point and I was like, I wonder if the ink of my pen is pink as well. You know, I was a curiosity of a child. And so I just pressed down just to see the color of the ink of my pen. And as I did that, the heart of the pen lit up and. And I, like, went ballistic. I was like, guys, drop everything. Look at my box. You know, I was the most popular kid for like five minutes because of a can like that. But looking back now, I realize, like, when the heart of the can lit up, my heart lit up for the first time. Because at that point in my life, I felt like a nobody. I felt like I was just an orphan taking up space. And then somebody gave me a pink shoebox, and they were telling me that I was a somebody because they took up their time. You know, they packed, they sent and. And I felt the love from the person that tagged the box. And I've never even met that person. And so feeling that love for the first time, that acceptance from them felt amazing. But I think the greatest thing for me was the booklet that came on top of my box. And this booklet is called the Greatest Gift. And it is a booklet that has been translated in over 100 languages. And so when I was on top of my box, it was in my native language, so I got to look at it, I got to read it. And it, Stories about Jesus. And I read the booklet and I read the stories, and I was like, this has to be the biggest fairy tale I have ever read, because I was between the age of 10 to 12. You know, I had these parents, but they were nowhere to be found. They were supposed to be there, protecting me, loving me, but they actually signed off their parental rights because they don't want me. And then I get a booklet, and it tells me that a creator of everything gave up his son for someone like me. An orphan, a nobody. And he did that not because I was the most popular person at the orphanage or the most talented, you know, because I was neither of those things, but simply because he loved me. And because of where I was, I could not wrap my mind around that type of love. And so I was like, this has to be a fairy tale. You know, the biggest one I have ever read. But because I had nothing to look forward to, as being at the orphanage, that booklet became that hope and actually started to pray to a God that I thought was a fairy tale. And I prayed for a family that would want me and my sister together, because we all know God is not a fairy tale, and he is real. He answered that prayer. And so my sister and I actually got adopted to a family in Missouri and 2004. And so that's where we have been living since we've been adopted and, have, you know, been blessed. Not just receiving a shoebox, but then God used that shoebox to change my life. And now I get to be in America and travel and tell my story of how God was victorious through my life simply m By somebody packing a box.
Nathan Harper Elena, that's amazing. To hear your story is really incredible to just be reminded of God's love for every person. Even two little orphan girls in the former Soviet Union who have never received a gift before. And God used even a shoebox gift, a pink one at that, to, touch your heart. A little bit of a curveball. But you've mentioned your sister often. Are you and your sister still close and keep in touch and kind of live life together to a degree?
Elena Hagemeier Yes. I was going to say no. I sent her back, but, no, we're still really, really close. She actually lives about 45 minutes away from me. You know, she has her own family now, and so I have a niece who's, 6 years old, and, she's not spoiled by me or anything, you know, but, yeah, no, we were really, really close. Like, before we started chatting, we were just on the phone for, like, an hour, just chatting about books that we've been reading and things like that. So they're very, very close.
Nathan Harper That's wonderful. As you talked about having some Nieces, maybe nephews. You're now packing shoeboxes yourself for other children. right. So you're participating on our end. You've kind of gotten to participate on both ends of this. So now that you're packing shoeboxes yourself for other children, how does it feel to be on this side of it and sending those shoebox gifts through Operation Christmas Child?
Elena Hagemeier Oh, that's a great question. I would have to say that I love the fact that I get to be, a part of this, you know, knowing full well how it changed my life, how God used my shoebox. So I know that every time I put something in my shoebox, I pray about it. And I know that God will use it for his glory and reaching a child and fulfillment specific way. Like, for me, you know, just having a pink shoebox, my sister having the artistic box. And so I just know that packing these shoeboxes, I know, like, I've been packing with my family since we came to America because it has such an impact on us. Even though we didn't know English at that time, we were going to church. And then fall season, you know, they started showing the flying logo shoebox in my broken English. I was like, mom, we got one of those. And so our family started packing, and we've been packing since then. And just knowing. Knowing that every item we put in, God will use it somehow. But also just the fact that a lot of these kids might not have received a gift before, like my sister and myself. And so for them to feel that love from me, to pack it, you know, might be their favorite toys or whatever. But also the biggest thing I love is the fact that they get to share the love of Jesus. And this is just the gospel opportunity that we get to do with the shoeboxes. It's like it, opens the door for the greatest gift, which is Jesus.
Bert Harper You're listening to Exploring Missions here on afr, and we're interviewing Elena Hagemeier. You were talking about how this can happen. This is amazing. After you pack your shoebox, you can, donate $10. And when you donate that $10, you can follow your box. You'll receive a tracking label and discover its destination. That means all of you who are listening and you say, man, I want to do that. I want to see and, or at least know, where my shoebox went. What an amazing thing. Everybody talks about technology of the world. That's one of the greatest technologies there is that you can follow your shoebox to find out where it goes when you're packing your shoebox, Atlanta, do you give a lot of pink stuff?
Elena Hagemeier I know I actually, do have a box or so that I usually do either the pink or, like, if I feel God leading me to a different color, you know, I will walk away from my pink just because not all people like pink. And so I will do a box, a, specific, just to. Just a solid color of, whatever I feel for that year. And this is me personally, you know, but I always like to pack like a stuffy, like a stuffed animal, because knowing a lot of these kids have to grow up, go really, really fast and take care of their families, their siblings and things like that, just like I was. And so I know that every time they open that box and they see a teddy bear in their box or, you know, something soft, that they, for that five minutes, could be a child again. They don't have to have all of the weight on their shoulders about their siblings and whatnot. And so I always do like to put something bright, something fluffy, and I'll just, But yeah, I do end up having at least one shoe box that is pink or, a specific color. So, yeah.
Nathan Harper So as we talked to Elena today, we're reminded about National Collection Week for Operation Christmas Child, November 16th through 23rd. And really, anyone can pack a shoebox. You know, an individual, a family, churches, that's how actually my family and I participate. Our church has a packing party, if you will, and so that's how we're going to be able to do that. But, you know, you could be a student, you can have a small group. It doesn't really matter in. Packing a shoebox is a great way to teach kids about thankfulness and giving back to those in need. And I think that's important. Elena, did. Did you, I know you were thankful when you received your shoebox, as your first gift. But here in the US we do this around Thanksgiving and around Christmas, kind of combining those two holidays here together. How important do you think it is for followers of Jesus M. To be thankful for whatever it is that he's blessed us with? And it could be a lot. It could be a little. In your story, you had very little, as you grew up. How important is that in your mind to just be thankful for the gifts that God gives?
Elena Hagemeier I mean, I, you know, a simple answer is, like, very, very, very important, I would say, because, for myself, I always tell people that I am still in awe. I've been here since 2004. You know, and I am still in awe of the provision that God had in my life. Instead of being on the street selling my body so I could put some food on our table for me and my sister after leaving the orphanage. I am here in America today. You know, I got adopted. I graduated high school, graduated college. I have a job, I have a car, I have a house. Like, I am so very blessed because God have provided all of these things, and I am very, very thankful to him each and every day. And so I would say that an important thing for us because he doesn't have to do all of the things that he's given us, but he does it because he loves us. And he is a provider and he is a father that loves his kids.
Bert Harper Here's some amazing facts we've given some of them. And these facts are important because since 1993, 244 million shoebox gifts have been collected and given to children over 1 in 175 countries in territories. And one of those shoeboxes went to Elena in the former Soviet Union and changed her life. So what we're saying to those who are listening, one shoebox that you pack, one item, that pen that has a heart, that lights up a heart can change a life. So, Atlanta, really challenge our, listeners to participate in this. Tell them the difference that it can make. And one thing you would like to tell them about the shoebox campaign, what would you tell them today?
Elena Hagemeier I would, I would like to say to the listeners that, you know, sometimes we get to a point where we're like, oh, it's just another shoebox. It's another pen, it's another teddy bear that we put in. Just come at it. You know, you pray about it and come at it. As God is allowing us to partner with him about packing these boxes. And we get the easy job of the whole partnership because we get to pray for his provision, and then we get to pack and then we get to send, and then God takes it the rest of the way. And so I want to encourage people to just think of these shoeboxes. They're not just toys filled, I mean, boxes filled with toys. They are so much more for the kids who feel like nothing. Here you might have nothing. Those shoeboxes filled with fun items, they are everything to these kids, not only because of the items in the shoebox. They love those things. I mean, every kid loves receiving a gift, right? But it goes so much more. And the fact of them feeling that love, feeling that joy and feeling that hope from you guys but more than that, they get to hear about Jesus and his love for these
Nathan Harper kids. Elena, we definitely want to come back to you before our time is over today. But as our listeners are listening, maybe they've never packed a shoebox before, or maybe they've done it here or there, but maybe there's some, like, question in their mind. You know, how you were hesitant to open your, your shoebox because how beautiful the wrapping was. Maybe there's someone who is hesitant to actually pack a shoebox. So let me just kind of explain how easy this is. If you want to, you can go to samaritanspurse.org occ and if you do that, there's right there on that page, there's gift suggestions. And here's how, Samaritan's Purse, Operation Christmas Child suggests to pack your shoebox, okay, Include something that's fun, like a wow item, maybe other quality toys. And then you want to make sure it's full. In other words, you're going to pack it to the brim with additional school supplies, maybe personal care items. You mentioned socks that were in your shoebox. things like that are important. And then something that's personalized where you can pray over, maybe even include a note or a photo, and those sometimes become the child's favorite items. So those are some gift suggestions for your shoebox. You can find your drop off location and there's even opportunities if you want to go further where you can volunteer at a processing center where once these shoeboxes are collected, they go to these processing centers and they need lots of volunteer help to move those along and process those where they need to go. You can give online to help with shipping costs and, and just a gift to Samaritan's Purse for Operation Christmas Child. You can even pack a, shoebox online. You can kind of build it virtually on the Internet there. So lots of options, lots of ways to get involved with Operation Christmas Child. Elena, you've spoken over and over about God's love, His personal love for you. And that's for each of us and for each of the children around the world. Can you just challenge us one more time of how impactful Operation Christmas Child was in your life to reveal God's love to you?
Elena Hagemeier Well, I mean, just receiving a shoebox, you know, for me when I was at my lowest, not only did that help me feel love and hope and joy, but also just hearing about the love of Jesus and, how he came and died for my sins, even if I thought it was a fair tale at first, you know, I prayed and he listened. And now, I'm here today and I just want to encourage people, you know, here in America that we have so much and we get to just bless these children by packing these boxes. And some of these boxes can even go to hard reach places where the gospel not might be welcome. But they are welcoming these shoeboxes and we could share the gospel through verbally and they still get to hear about Jesus and his love. And so like I said, this is just a gospel opportunity that get the door open for us to share the greatest gift and the greatest love in that Jesus.
Bert Harper Just some more numbers before we go off the air. last year, 2025, 12.2 million shoebox gifts were given globally. This year we're looking at a goal of 12.8 million again, close to a half a million more boys and girls receiving those shoeboxes. Since 2009, we have this 27 million boys and girls have made their decision to follow Jesus Christ. 27 million. they don't stop there. And we're going to do some follow up on this at a later date concerning the greatest journey that after they receive the shoebox, they're offered to come into this discipleship program and learn more and more about Jesus Christ. I really don't know of a greater possibility of missional work going into places that people can't go on their own, Nathan. But we can send this shoebox and the gospel gets to them. And it's usually not just that one child. Many times it's the family that is reached as well, isn't it, Nathan?
Nathan Harper Yeah, that's right. It's, an impact that goes beyond just the individual. And just like even Elena, it affected her and her sister and her family. Now at that time was on the other side of the world, the family she was adopted into in Missouri. And so now that impact is rippling out all over the world. So you know that's how the gospel works, right? So when you're packing a shoebox, it's a, it's a gospel work that you are participating in.
Bert Harper Elena, I want to say thank you for sharing your story today. It's been amazing. Thank you. And may God bless you, girl.
Elena Hagemeier Thank you so much for having me and just allowing me to share of, God's victory through the shoebox.
Bert Harper And you can be a part of that. You can make a difference in a boy or girl's life somewhere in the world where they were hopeless. Nathan, the opportunity is real and we need to share and pray and give and make this a vital part of what we do here on Exploring Missions each year we're able to do this in Operation Christmas Child. We want you to participate. Be sure and do that. And again, let God lead you as you follow him on mission for God. An
Introduction Then Jesus came to them and said, all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples, disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always to the very end of the age. Welcome to Exploring Missions, connecting mission needs with those equipped by God to meet those needs across the world or across town. And now, the host of Exploring Missions, Bert Harper.
Bert Harper You know there are important times of the year. I know each day is important. This weekend is important. But let me just declare to you that there is a week of November 16th through the 23rd that is just very, very important not only to individuals who are collecting items, maybe toys, toiletries, different things, but also those that are preparing to receive that which is collected. Well, if you don't know what I'm talking about, I'm talking about Operation Christmas Child, the shoebox campaign, and this weekend on Exploring Missions. We want to talk to someone that has experienced receiving those, but also now knows about sharing and giving. I am Bert Harper along with my co host Nathan Harper and Nathan, Operation Christmas Child. It's been around since 1993. It has become, I would say a great just tradition getting ready for Christmas. What do you think?
Nathan Harper Yeah, it really is. And National Collection week is November 16th through 23rd, you'll hear us talk about that a little bit more. But to help us talk about Operation Christmas Child and Samaritan's Purse and the global ministry where gift filled shoe boxes are sent to children in need around the world, together with the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. To help us talk about that is someone who actually experienced it firsthand. And we are thankful to have with us today Elena Hagemeier. Elena, thank you for joining us today.
Elena Hagemeier thank you for having me. I'm really excited to be here.
Nathan Harper Elena, can you tell us a little bit of the beginning of your story, where you grew up and how you've experienced the love of Jesus and a shoebox, how that went together for you?
Elena Hagemeier Absolutely. So I'm actually from former Soviet Union. I grew up there with my sister Yulia, and we're about two years apart. But we grew up in a very small town, in a very small house, in a very broken house in the sense of, just having a lot of broken windows and not being able to fix them because of how poor my family was. My parents, they would go off and they would work all day long, but they would never get paid with food or money. They would actually get paid with alcohol. And so while they were off working, it was my responsibility as the oldest to try to take care of myself and my sister. And so each morning as my parents left, we would get up and we would look for food in our kitchen and our drawers and just anywhere where we can think of where food should be or could be. And finding alcohol bottles, the next logical thing for us was to actually go outside and see what we could find in the nature. And I love the fact that even at that time, when I didn't know God, he knew me, and he provided things in the N to actually sustain us. And so that's how we survived was basically with what God provided in the nature. And every night he can kind of feel the darkness coming over our house. Because after a day of work, a day of drinking, my parents were coming home. And my dad was very drunk at that time. And then he would become very abusive. And so that was just a life that I had until I was about 8 years old. And when I was 8, my parents were caught stealing some items. And so they were put into prison. And myself and my sister, we were put into our first orphanage. And being of this first orphanage was basically like a, safe haven. Because at this orphanage they provided us with three necessary things at that time. And one of those things is just Being able to go to school. You know, even though my sister and I were two years apart, we actually started first grade together. And I loved going to school, love learning new things, loved being around other kids, loved feeling like a kid for the first time in my life. The second thing was that this were finished day provided were, caregivers. There was someone there 24, 7 as an adult that I could turn to if I needed help raising my sister. So that helped tremendously. And the third thing, which was my favorite thing was at, this orphanage, they provided us with three meals a day and a snack in between. And so that was such a different experience from, you know, the way we lived at the house. And so I don't know about you guys, but I enjoy food. And so having those three meals a day at the orphanage was like heaven. And, my sister and I, we actually stayed at this orphanage for about two years. And then after those two years, we were moved to our second orphanage, where, again, we had food, we had caregivers, we had a school. But the things we did not have did not have love, we did not have joy, we did not have hope. And there was just one year when I was just at, my lowest point. At this point, I felt very unloved. I felt very unwanted. I felt like a nobody. And that is when God provided me and my sister with the shoebox. And for us to receive a shoebox, that was a miracle in itself, because until that point, we had never received a gift before.
Bert Harper You know, when I hear that at the first orphanage, you were there about two years, but they did not participate in the shoebox campaign, right?
Elena Hagemeier Not at that. No, not that much.
Bert Harper So m. You were moved to this when you would be about 8, 10, or 11 years old, I guess.
Elena Hagemeier Right, Right. Yeah. And the only way I could actually figure out my age is by the grades that we were going into.
Bert Harper Okay,
Elena Hagemeier so, like the first grade, the second grade, we were at the first orphanage. The third and the fourth grade, we were in our second orphanage. And until we were adopted and got our birth certificate. I even know or, like, think about having a birthday that people would celebrate with me until I was adopted and found out when my birthday is and kind of had to do the math, as you were saying, to try to figure out, you know. So, yeah, so I was at the second orphanage. I was between the age of 10 and 12.
Bert Harper Well, okay, you received your shoebox there. And just tell us about that. Did it change your life?
Elena Hagemeier Oh, absolutely. Receiving a shoebox for me, my sister I mean, it changed our lives. And not just the sense of, like, feeling love and care from the person that packed. But the greatest thing is getting to know about Jesus. Like, when I received my shoebox, first of all, I was actually. Was, actually afraid to open my box because the box they handed to me was an actual shoebox that somebody took up their time to actually wrap in the colorful wrapping paper. And so, like, for me, just holding that shoebox and the colorfulness of it and the fact that it sparkled, you know, it was the most amazing wrapping paper I have ever seen to that point. And so I was just amazed by the shoebox that I was holding. And I was actually afraid to open it because I thought the outside of it was beautiful. And I was afraid to open it just because I didn't know what to expect on the inside. And I felt like I've been disappointed so many times in my life by this point that I felt like if I was to open that box, there might be another disappointment. And I just. I liked the way it was on the outside. But, at the same time, I wanted my sister to have the best that she could have. And so my logic was, if she doesn't like her Shabbat, she could have mine. But again, I didn't know God at that time, but he knew me and he knew my sister. And so my sister and I were completely like different people. She's an artistic type of person. I am completely not. But being at the orphanage, she couldn't practice her artistic skill because the resources that we had, which is an interesting thought, because here in America, you know, you have art class, you have all of these fancy things in schools. And the orphanage that we were at, we didn't have an art class. And the pens and the paper that we have, that was for actual classes Dali actually did have. And so she just couldn't pick up a piece of paper and doodle with it. And so she got her shoebox. And as, she got her shoebox, she opened it, and everything in that shoebox was artistically related of a girl of her age, that everything she wanted, everything she loved was in that shoebox. And so I'm watching my sister, right? And I'm afraid to open my box. And I'm holding my box, I'm watching my sister, and she's pulling out all of these item out of her shoebox. She had crayons, she had markers, she had a strip, ah. Of watercolor paint. And watching her pulling all of these items out, showing them to me. Her smile is just growing bigger and bigger and bigger. And that smile actually gave me first strip in my box. And so when I opened my box, my box literally was glowing pink from the inside out. Which amazing thing is the fact that I love color pink, but just the fact that God knew that about me and he gave me a shoebox of color pink, you know, And I had pink socks in my box, and they were fantastic for a, ah, winter night at the orphanage. We had a teddy bear. I had a teddy bear in there. He was pink. I had an actual Barbie, like a physical Barbie with a pink sparkly dress. I had this amazing pan that I really, really loved. It was a pink pan. It had flu the top, and there was a wire and a heart that would dingle on it. Have you guys seen those before?
Bert Harper Yeah, what you're talking about? Yeah,
Elena Hagemeier yeah. And so I was just fascinated by this kind of going like, ding dong, ding dong for like five minutes straight. And it was an amazing experience for me until I got to a point and I was like, I wonder if the ink of my pen is pink as well. You know, I was a curiosity of a child. And so I just pressed down just to see the color of the ink of my pen. And as I did that, the heart of the pen lit up and. And I, like, went ballistic. I was like, guys, drop everything. Look at my box. You know, I was the most popular kid for like five minutes because of a can like that. But looking back now, I realize, like, when the heart of the can lit up, my heart lit up for the first time. Because at that point in my life, I felt like a nobody. I felt like I was just an orphan taking up space. And then somebody gave me a pink shoebox, and they were telling me that I was a somebody because they took up their time. You know, they packed, they sent and. And I felt the love from the person that tagged the box. And I've never even met that person. And so feeling that love for the first time, that acceptance from them felt amazing. But I think the greatest thing for me was the booklet that came on top of my box. And this booklet is called the Greatest Gift. And it is a booklet that has been translated in over 100 languages. And so when I was on top of my box, it was in my native language, so I got to look at it, I got to read it. And it, Stories about Jesus. And I read the booklet and I read the stories, and I was like, this has to be the biggest fairy tale I have ever read, because I was between the age of 10 to 12. You know, I had these parents, but they were nowhere to be found. They were supposed to be there, protecting me, loving me, but they actually signed off their parental rights because they don't want me. And then I get a booklet, and it tells me that a creator of everything gave up his son for someone like me. An orphan, a nobody. And he did that not because I was the most popular person at the orphanage or the most talented, you know, because I was neither of those things, but simply because he loved me. And because of where I was, I could not wrap my mind around that type of love. And so I was like, this has to be a fairy tale. You know, the biggest one I have ever read. But because I had nothing to look forward to, as being at the orphanage, that booklet became that hope and actually started to pray to a God that I thought was a fairy tale. And I prayed for a family that would want me and my sister together, because we all know God is not a fairy tale, and he is real. He answered that prayer. And so my sister and I actually got adopted to a family in Missouri and 2004. And so that's where we have been living since we've been adopted and, have, you know, been blessed. Not just receiving a shoebox, but then God used that shoebox to change my life. And now I get to be in America and travel and tell my story of how God was victorious through my life simply m By somebody packing a box.
Nathan Harper Elena, that's amazing. To hear your story is really incredible to just be reminded of God's love for every person. Even two little orphan girls in the former Soviet Union who have never received a gift before. And God used even a shoebox gift, a pink one at that, to, touch your heart. A little bit of a curveball. But you've mentioned your sister often. Are you and your sister still close and keep in touch and kind of live life together to a degree?
Elena Hagemeier Yes. I was going to say no. I sent her back, but, no, we're still really, really close. She actually lives about 45 minutes away from me. You know, she has her own family now, and so I have a niece who's, 6 years old, and, she's not spoiled by me or anything, you know, but, yeah, no, we were really, really close. Like, before we started chatting, we were just on the phone for, like, an hour, just chatting about books that we've been reading and things like that. So they're very, very close.
Nathan Harper That's wonderful. As you talked about having some Nieces, maybe nephews. You're now packing shoeboxes yourself for other children. right. So you're participating on our end. You've kind of gotten to participate on both ends of this. So now that you're packing shoeboxes yourself for other children, how does it feel to be on this side of it and sending those shoebox gifts through Operation Christmas Child?
Elena Hagemeier Oh, that's a great question. I would have to say that I love the fact that I get to be, a part of this, you know, knowing full well how it changed my life, how God used my shoebox. So I know that every time I put something in my shoebox, I pray about it. And I know that God will use it for his glory and reaching a child and fulfillment specific way. Like, for me, you know, just having a pink shoebox, my sister having the artistic box. And so I just know that packing these shoeboxes, I know, like, I've been packing with my family since we came to America because it has such an impact on us. Even though we didn't know English at that time, we were going to church. And then fall season, you know, they started showing the flying logo shoebox in my broken English. I was like, mom, we got one of those. And so our family started packing, and we've been packing since then. And just knowing. Knowing that every item we put in, God will use it somehow. But also just the fact that a lot of these kids might not have received a gift before, like my sister and myself. And so for them to feel that love from me, to pack it, you know, might be their favorite toys or whatever. But also the biggest thing I love is the fact that they get to share the love of Jesus. And this is just the gospel opportunity that we get to do with the shoeboxes. It's like it, opens the door for the greatest gift, which is Jesus.
Bert Harper You're listening to Exploring Missions here on afr, and we're interviewing Elena Hagemeier. You were talking about how this can happen. This is amazing. After you pack your shoebox, you can, donate $10. And when you donate that $10, you can follow your box. You'll receive a tracking label and discover its destination. That means all of you who are listening and you say, man, I want to do that. I want to see and, or at least know, where my shoebox went. What an amazing thing. Everybody talks about technology of the world. That's one of the greatest technologies there is that you can follow your shoebox to find out where it goes when you're packing your shoebox, Atlanta, do you give a lot of pink stuff?
Elena Hagemeier I know I actually, do have a box or so that I usually do either the pink or, like, if I feel God leading me to a different color, you know, I will walk away from my pink just because not all people like pink. And so I will do a box, a, specific, just to. Just a solid color of, whatever I feel for that year. And this is me personally, you know, but I always like to pack like a stuffy, like a stuffed animal, because knowing a lot of these kids have to grow up, go really, really fast and take care of their families, their siblings and things like that, just like I was. And so I know that every time they open that box and they see a teddy bear in their box or, you know, something soft, that they, for that five minutes, could be a child again. They don't have to have all of the weight on their shoulders about their siblings and whatnot. And so I always do like to put something bright, something fluffy, and I'll just, But yeah, I do end up having at least one shoe box that is pink or, a specific color. So, yeah.
Nathan Harper So as we talked to Elena today, we're reminded about National Collection Week for Operation Christmas Child, November 16th through 23rd. And really, anyone can pack a shoebox. You know, an individual, a family, churches, that's how actually my family and I participate. Our church has a packing party, if you will, and so that's how we're going to be able to do that. But, you know, you could be a student, you can have a small group. It doesn't really matter in. Packing a shoebox is a great way to teach kids about thankfulness and giving back to those in need. And I think that's important. Elena, did. Did you, I know you were thankful when you received your shoebox, as your first gift. But here in the US we do this around Thanksgiving and around Christmas, kind of combining those two holidays here together. How important do you think it is for followers of Jesus M. To be thankful for whatever it is that he's blessed us with? And it could be a lot. It could be a little. In your story, you had very little, as you grew up. How important is that in your mind to just be thankful for the gifts that God gives?
Elena Hagemeier I mean, I, you know, a simple answer is, like, very, very, very important, I would say, because, for myself, I always tell people that I am still in awe. I've been here since 2004. You know, and I am still in awe of the provision that God had in my life. Instead of being on the street selling my body so I could put some food on our table for me and my sister after leaving the orphanage. I am here in America today. You know, I got adopted. I graduated high school, graduated college. I have a job, I have a car, I have a house. Like, I am so very blessed because God have provided all of these things, and I am very, very thankful to him each and every day. And so I would say that an important thing for us because he doesn't have to do all of the things that he's given us, but he does it because he loves us. And he is a provider and he is a father that loves his kids.
Bert Harper Here's some amazing facts we've given some of them. And these facts are important because since 1993, 244 million shoebox gifts have been collected and given to children over 1 in 175 countries in territories. And one of those shoeboxes went to Elena in the former Soviet Union and changed her life. So what we're saying to those who are listening, one shoebox that you pack, one item, that pen that has a heart, that lights up a heart can change a life. So, Atlanta, really challenge our, listeners to participate in this. Tell them the difference that it can make. And one thing you would like to tell them about the shoebox campaign, what would you tell them today?
Elena Hagemeier I would, I would like to say to the listeners that, you know, sometimes we get to a point where we're like, oh, it's just another shoebox. It's another pen, it's another teddy bear that we put in. Just come at it. You know, you pray about it and come at it. As God is allowing us to partner with him about packing these boxes. And we get the easy job of the whole partnership because we get to pray for his provision, and then we get to pack and then we get to send, and then God takes it the rest of the way. And so I want to encourage people to just think of these shoeboxes. They're not just toys filled, I mean, boxes filled with toys. They are so much more for the kids who feel like nothing. Here you might have nothing. Those shoeboxes filled with fun items, they are everything to these kids, not only because of the items in the shoebox. They love those things. I mean, every kid loves receiving a gift, right? But it goes so much more. And the fact of them feeling that love, feeling that joy and feeling that hope from you guys but more than that, they get to hear about Jesus and his love for these
Nathan Harper kids. Elena, we definitely want to come back to you before our time is over today. But as our listeners are listening, maybe they've never packed a shoebox before, or maybe they've done it here or there, but maybe there's some, like, question in their mind. You know, how you were hesitant to open your, your shoebox because how beautiful the wrapping was. Maybe there's someone who is hesitant to actually pack a shoebox. So let me just kind of explain how easy this is. If you want to, you can go to samaritanspurse.org occ and if you do that, there's right there on that page, there's gift suggestions. And here's how, Samaritan's Purse, Operation Christmas Child suggests to pack your shoebox, okay, Include something that's fun, like a wow item, maybe other quality toys. And then you want to make sure it's full. In other words, you're going to pack it to the brim with additional school supplies, maybe personal care items. You mentioned socks that were in your shoebox. things like that are important. And then something that's personalized where you can pray over, maybe even include a note or a photo, and those sometimes become the child's favorite items. So those are some gift suggestions for your shoebox. You can find your drop off location and there's even opportunities if you want to go further where you can volunteer at a processing center where once these shoeboxes are collected, they go to these processing centers and they need lots of volunteer help to move those along and process those where they need to go. You can give online to help with shipping costs and, and just a gift to Samaritan's Purse for Operation Christmas Child. You can even pack a, shoebox online. You can kind of build it virtually on the Internet there. So lots of options, lots of ways to get involved with Operation Christmas Child. Elena, you've spoken over and over about God's love, His personal love for you. And that's for each of us and for each of the children around the world. Can you just challenge us one more time of how impactful Operation Christmas Child was in your life to reveal God's love to you?
Elena Hagemeier Well, I mean, just receiving a shoebox, you know, for me when I was at my lowest, not only did that help me feel love and hope and joy, but also just hearing about the love of Jesus and, how he came and died for my sins, even if I thought it was a fair tale at first, you know, I prayed and he listened. And now, I'm here today and I just want to encourage people, you know, here in America that we have so much and we get to just bless these children by packing these boxes. And some of these boxes can even go to hard reach places where the gospel not might be welcome. But they are welcoming these shoeboxes and we could share the gospel through verbally and they still get to hear about Jesus and his love. And so like I said, this is just a gospel opportunity that get the door open for us to share the greatest gift and the greatest love in that Jesus.
Bert Harper Just some more numbers before we go off the air. last year, 2025, 12.2 million shoebox gifts were given globally. This year we're looking at a goal of 12.8 million again, close to a half a million more boys and girls receiving those shoeboxes. Since 2009, we have this 27 million boys and girls have made their decision to follow Jesus Christ. 27 million. they don't stop there. And we're going to do some follow up on this at a later date concerning the greatest journey that after they receive the shoebox, they're offered to come into this discipleship program and learn more and more about Jesus Christ. I really don't know of a greater possibility of missional work going into places that people can't go on their own, Nathan. But we can send this shoebox and the gospel gets to them. And it's usually not just that one child. Many times it's the family that is reached as well, isn't it, Nathan?
Nathan Harper Yeah, that's right. It's, an impact that goes beyond just the individual. And just like even Elena, it affected her and her sister and her family. Now at that time was on the other side of the world, the family she was adopted into in Missouri. And so now that impact is rippling out all over the world. So you know that's how the gospel works, right? So when you're packing a shoebox, it's a, it's a gospel work that you are participating in.
Bert Harper Elena, I want to say thank you for sharing your story today. It's been amazing. Thank you. And may God bless you, girl.
Elena Hagemeier Thank you so much for having me and just allowing me to share of, God's victory through the shoebox.
Bert Harper And you can be a part of that. You can make a difference in a boy or girl's life somewhere in the world where they were hopeless. Nathan, the opportunity is real and we need to share and pray and give and make this a vital part of what we do here on Exploring Missions each year we're able to do this in Operation Christmas Child. We want you to participate. Be sure and do that. And again, let God lead you as you follow him on mission for God. An
In this episode of Exploring Missions, Bert and Nathan Harper speak with Elena Hagemeier, whose life was transformed by an Operation Christmas Child shoebox she received as a child in an orphanage in the former Soviet Union. Elena describes growing up amid poverty and abuse, feeling unwanted and alone, and the moment a box filled with thoughtful gifts—and a booklet about Jesus—helped her discover hope, love, and the possibility of a family.
Now an adult who packs shoeboxes herself, Elena reflects on the power of a simple gift to communicate care and open the door to sharing the Gospel. The conversation explores how individuals, families, churches, and groups can take part in Operation Christmas Child, what to include in a shoebox, and how the ministry’s impact can reach children and families around the world. Hear Elena’s moving story and find out how you can help make a difference.
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