For years, local residents have been a part of the Samaritan's Purse project Operation Christmas Child, which helps millions of children in need through gift-filled shoeboxes. Alex Nsengimana, originally from Rwanda, received a shoebox gift when he was a boy. He will come to the Lancaster area on Sunday, Aug. 21, to share how this gift changed his life.

Nsengimana will speak at 10 a.m. at Washington Avenue Bible Church, 149 Washington Ave., Ephrata, and at 5 p.m. at First Baptist Church of New Holland, 149 W. Conestoga St., New Holland. Nsengimana will speak for 20 to 30 minutes at each event.

This year, area volunteers hope to collect more than 25,000 shoeboxes packed with toys, school supplies, and hygiene items to contribute toward the global goal of reaching 11 million children. Each shoebox gift is an opportunity to share the Gospel.