USA (MNN) — Providing humanitarian relief is a great way to see doors opened to the Gospel. Buckner Orphan Care International believes their Shoes for Orphan Souls program is just one way to help needy children hear the story of Christ.
Buckner’s Director of Shoes for Orphan Souls Amy Norton says proof of that is results. “It’s our 7th anniversary of the Shoes for Orphan Souls program and we’re just overjoyed to say that we’ve been blessed with over 1.5 million new shoes for orphan children all over the world and they’re now going to over 45 countries.”
While the growth has allowed them to expand ministry, Buckner’s warehouse space is limited. “As the shoe numbers have grown, we’ve outgrown the warehouse that we’re renting. Actually now, we’re going to be building a new warehouse and we’re raising funds for that right now. And, with the number of shoes that come in all year long we just need a large warehouse where we can have 70 to 80 volunteers at a time working on shoes.”
Providing shoes is a great need around the world, but Norton says this program has done more than provide a physical need. “In many of the Muslim countries, which we are going into now, or we work with partner ministries that are in these countries, we know that carrying a pair of shoes is an open door. We’ve always had the doors opened to us to go in and share why we’re there and who gave these shoes and share that not only does the Lord love you, but He is your Father. And, it’s just such an easy way to be able to share the Gospel.”
Buckner needs people to organize shoe drives for the months of July and August. Norton says, “July and August, especially the month of August because it’s back to school time. So many moms are buying things for their children for school.”
Mission Network News and Moody Broadcasting will be hosting a Shoes for Orphan Souls trip to Leningrad, Russia September 28-October 8 as part of MNN’s 15th anniversary celebration. If you’d like to go on that trip, go to Buckner’s website for more information.
Norton says, “This will be our first time to take a shoe team into this region and I’m so excited about it because there are orphanages there that have never had an American team or any team visit them, come see them and tell them they’re special and that they’re loved.”
Also, as part of our anniversary celebration Mission Network News and Buckner Orphan Care will be giving away a trip to this area. Details on how to qualify will be coming in the days ahead. Sorry, U-S residents only.
