Growing up, my toes were slipped in to pink
jellies in hot California summers and covered in black clogs for church (they
were comfy) and orange sneakers to run across the play ground. High school had
me sporting another pink shoe, this time a pair of Converse and these days
comfy, grandma flats (as my sister lovingly calls them) are my favorite. I have
always had shoes and more than one pair at that. And that seemed normal.
Nothing to question or think twice about.
Until I heard of jiggers and learned the
detriment they caused little feet worlds over, as Sole Hope spanned my computer screen a few years ago. It's
simplistic message and need, coupled with the heart and story behind it broke my heart.
I rang in my birthday that year with
their Party with a Purpose. Friends
and family came over, jeans and milk cartons in hand, ready to trace and cut
shoe patterns for children who knew the pain of jiggers first hand, burrowing deep
in to their feet.
It was humbling seeing everyone so
focused and willing to help. And the next day, the scissor cutters could hardly
move their fingers but they said it was all okay in the name of Jesus. Sweet sarcasm,
sweet friends. That being said, fifteen minute station rotations is recommended
to get the full experience, just in case your party goers are amazing, hard worker ,enthusiasts like mine.
Meeting Drew, one of the co-founders, at the Allume Conference brought
Sole Hope to another level this year. Witnessing first hand his passion and
heart driving the movement as he spoke about what it is all about and how we
can partner with them was humbling still.
He stood on a chair in a crowded room. Raffle
participants waiting in a lounge filled with sweet delicacies to see if they
were the winner of an overflowing gift basket or the IPad, all generously
donated. His words were real. His heart on his sleeve. To help the children. To
be Christ overseas through giving and support. The raffle prizes seemed hollow and empty in
the context of his heart and message.
This month the 10 for 10 program
was launched: a way to ensure each that pair of shoes cut will be fully funded to
completion - from sewing and all construction, which takes place in Africa, to
finding ten toes to protect from jiggers. With just $10 a month, you can ensure
a pair of feet have something to slip into, to run in, keeping them safe from
burrowing jiggers.
There are lots of other ways to use
your resources to assist them: donating common medical supplies, purchasing
items from their Amazon Wish list, be a voice of hope by letting others know
about what is going on, shopping their store and of course praying for them.
Let us consider how
we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Hebrews 10:24
I am not affiliated with Sole Hope
or anything of the sorts. Just someone who believes God is using them to do his
beautiful work. Praying you would seek a way to be of service to them, whatever it
looks like for you. Praying you would do something.
Here's to being of service and spurring one another on.