1 rich Libsyn https://www.libsyn.com 90 600 Born with a physical deformity a few years after the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, Natasha Ivanova was placed in a state-run orphanage in Eastern Europe where she could get an education. That's where she received an Operation Christmas Child shoebox, the first gift she'd ever been given. In this episode Natasha shares what that gift meant to her, how it shaped her life and faith, and why a simple shoebox given in love can have a lasting impact.&amp;nbsp;Today she works for the ministry, sharing her story with others. Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse that delivers shoebox gifts to children around the world. With National Collection Week happening November 16-21, this episode is a perfect way to get inspired and involve your family. Whether you’re a mom teaching your kids to give, a grandmother serving alongside your grandchildren, or someone looking for a meaningful way to give this Christmas, you’ll find encouragement and practical ideas here. You’ll hear about: Natasha’s story as an orphan who received a shoebox at age eight What it meant to receive her very first gift How that gift shaped her life and her work today What Operation Christmas Child is and how it works How your family, church, or grandchildren can get involved this collection week Find out more about Operation Christmas Child Get on the Flourish Retreat waitlist for 2027 Sign up for The Keeping Room newsletter to get Building Strong Homes updates Watch on YouTube The Shoebox That Changed Her Life: Natasha Ivanova's Story Building Strong Homes: Blueprints to Strengthen Your Faith and Family podcast http://buildingstronghomes.libsyn.com/site <iframe title="Libsyn Player" style="border: none" src="//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/43698344/height/90/theme/custom/thumbnail/yes/direction/forward/render-playlist/no/custom-color/87A93A/" height="90" width="600" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen></iframe> https://assets.libsyn.com/secure/content/208720909