Project Agape
Project AGAPE: Share Hope with a Child in Armenia
Join Us in Bringing Hope This Christmas
This year, Matthews United Methodist Church is partnering with Project AGAPE, a long-standing United Methodist ministry serving children and families in Armenia. Together with churches across the Western North Carolina Conference, we have the opportunity to share Christ's love in a tangible way by filling gift shoeboxes for children whose lives have been deeply impacted by conflict and displacement.
Whether you pack a shoebox, volunteer, or make a financial gift, you can help remind a child that they are seen, loved, and not forgotten.
Why Armenia?
For decades, conflict in the Nagorno-Karabakh region has brought instability to Armenia and the surrounding area. In 2023 alone, more than 100,000 people were forced to flee their homes, leaving many families without stable housing, income, or access to basic necessities.
Children have been especially affected. Many have experienced the loss of their homes, schools, and sense of normalcy.
A simple gift-filled shoebox cannot solve these challenges, but it can provide practical supplies, bring joy at Christmas, and offer a powerful reminder that God's love reaches across the world.
What is Project AGAPE?
Project AGAPE (American Greater Armenian Partnership Efforts) is a United Methodist humanitarian ministry that has served the people of Armenia since 1993. Working alongside the Armenian Apostolic Church, Project AGAPE provides humanitarian assistance, vocational training, Christian education, and Christmas gifts to children and families throughout Armenia.
For more than 30 years, churches across North Carolina have supported this ministry. Matthews UMC is excited to join this trusted partnership and become part of its ongoing story of hope.
How You Can Help
Fill a Shoebox
Beginning August 23, 2026 pick up a shoebox at church, fill it using the recommended packing list, and return it by September 20.
- Packing List: Girls
- Packing List: Boys
- Frequently Asked Questions - coming soon!
Help Cover Shipping or Support Additional Boxes
Every gift needs to be shipped to Armenia. Your financial gift helps cover shipping costs and allows additional children to receive a shoebox, even if someone is unable to pack one themselves.
- Give Now Toward Shipping or Make a Donation to Global Impact for shipping costs (indicate Agape in the memo line)
More Than a Gift
Every shoebox is an opportunity to share the love of Christ in a practical way. Together, we can offer encouragement, hope, and joy to children who have experienced hardship--and remind them they are part of God's global family.
