Soon after the distribution 30 children enrolled in The Greatest Journey discipleship program, with the consent of their parents. Melvin, a ten year old boy who lived with his grandparents, completed the program and graduated with 18 other children.
Fifteen of these children gave their lives to Jesus, Melvin being one of them. His grandfather was known as a religious leader and a witchdoctor by the local villagers.
Amazingly, Melvin's grandfather allowed The Greatest Journey to be taught in his house. While Pastor Waisea of a neighbouring town was teaching the classes, some of the children's parents came to see and hear what their children were learning.
The Greatest Journey course was completed in 14 weeks but the children asked Pastor Waisea to continue the classes to teach them more about Jesus. A small Bible study group was established at Melvin's grandparents' home. The group grew steadily over a three month period and five adults accepted Jesus as their Lord and Saviour, including Melvin's grandparents, to the astonishment of many neighbours.
Melvin's grandfather then asked Pastor Waisea to open a church in his home and this grew steadily over a seven month period with 25 people attending regularly.
Melvin's grandfather and Pastor Waisea then approached a local landowner to purchase some land to build a church and, on Sunday, 16th September 2012, the first church service was held under a temporary shelter on the land with forty people attending.
Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes are given to children in need by the local church in the countries where the shoe boxes are sent and The Greatest Journey discipleship program is taught to children also by the local church.
Samaritan's Purse Australia/NZ is hoping to provide shoe boxes for 320,000 children this year and 21,000 children are expected to enroll in The Greatest Journey discipleship program. Bible League International partners with Samaritan's Purse Australia/NZ funding all print material for The Greatest Journey.