The Perfect Gift

On Boxing Day, a team from ACP, together with Christian scouts, set off on the 19-hour journey to Ljuboml, a Ukrainian town near the Polish border. Their mission: to share God's love, distribute more than 600 Christmas parcels, and bring joy to children.

Once there, the team worked closely with their Ukrainian partners. This community is led mainly by men with difficult pasts, including former drug addicts and criminals. People who are socially marginalized experience acceptance here, take on responsibility, and are a blessing to others.

During the outreach, the volunteers played with the children, led devotions, and handed out gifts. The joy was palpable. The encounter with eight-year-old Amina* was particularly memorable. She made it clear with gestures that the gift in her hands was more suitable for a boy. The team looked for another package and picked up a box labeled “for an eight-year-old girl.” When Amina heard what it said, she beamed and said, “I'm eight years old.” Inside the package, she found glitter stickers and pink cozy socks, among other things—everything fit perfectly. She proudly held up the gifts and gave a thumbs up.

Such small “miracles” characterized our mission. Without knowing it, someone in Germany had packed a package that was just right for a specific child in Ukraine. In the midst of a war-torn country, it is often quiet moments that give hope. They show that God cares and keeps track of everything. Down to the smallest details.

*Symbolic image