International (MNN/BOC) — With the global economy still shuddering, poverty's grip tightens on the poor. Many families cannot afford the luxury of a new pair of shoes for a child's growing feet. Buckner International Shoes For Orphan Souls is trying to respond by increasing their collection of shoes over previous years.
However, the ministry says they are more than 100,000 donations short of what they had at this time in 2008. Rachel Garton, director of Shoes for Orphan Souls, says, "We had a huge milestone this year when we collected our two-millionth pair of shoes, but we are still short of our goal."
The shoes are an open door for ministry because as they are distributed, the children also hear the Gospel. "Each shoe donation represents a child," said Julia Stark, program manager for Shoes for Orphan Souls. "So if we are short on shoes, we are short on blessings for these children."
Since 1999, Shoes for Orphan Souls has distributed more than two million pairs of shoes to more than 65 countries around the world. Consider hosting to a shoe drive or donating a pair of new shoes online.
Time is short. Click here to get involved.
