FEET & SHOES

Feet and shoes are really not very exciting subjects.  Especially feet.  And after years of playing sports, my feet are particularly nothing I want to talk about!  But I've found myself thinking a lot about Feet and Shoes recently.

I've been thinking a lot about feet because I have a son who is passionate about them.  Not in a weird way, but in a way that could possibly change the world.  

Stephen and James

Since Stephen was in Jr. High school God has given him a unquenchable desire to help kids in Africa.  First, as children, growing up in orphanages or slums without family.  Then the passion intensified as they grew into young men and women, leaving the orphanages or staying in the slums, many without solid life skills that would give them a chance at life.  Most were educated to some level, thanks to sponsors, but still a lot of them lacked the deeper life skills for moving beyond daily survival.

Photobucket.com

That's why the Two Feet Project is being born.  A non-profit organization my son is visioneering; (thanks Andy Stanley) which will take these young men and women and train them in daily living skills through the medium of sports and other interests.  It's a huge, God endeavor, but one that will be blessed as he uses his Two Feet to take the Good News to others so they can stand on their own Two Feet, next to the Two Feet of Jesus.   As it develops, you'll probably read more about it in this blog.  Well done, Stephen!

I've also been thinking of shoes because of a man by the name of Palmer Chinchen, a pastor in Chandler, Arizona who took a chance with his church in order to make a huge difference in the lives of many in Africa.

A year ago Palmer told his church to take off the shoes they wore to church, bring them and put them into bins on the stage.  Why?  To sacrifice them for people on the other side of the world who had no shoes, or means to get them!  Risky?  Yes!  Some might not come that Sunday!  Some might not participate!  Some may never come back!  Significant?  Yes!  Huge blessings because of the sacrifice?  Yes!!

Despite being the hottest day of the year, despite the parking lot being an inferno at over 110 degrees, despite being asked to remain shoeless the rest of that day, Palmer's church donated somewhere in the neighborhood of 2000 pairs of shoes!  And people in the community who heard about it, but didn't attend the church, also brought THEIR SHOES!!

You know what, they didn't need them; and it reminded each one about what they take for granted and what others lack in this world.  Well done, Palmer!

This coming Sunday is the second "Barefoot" Sunday for Palmer and his church.  I sent them a pair of new shoes from my closet...I didn't need them, and I know there is someone in Malawi with size 15 feet that will appreciate shoes that fit.

Maybe I'll use my bare two feet to go with my son and share the Good News with someone on that day!  Maybe I should do that everyday!  What a concept!  Why don't you do the same.

Two special men creating Kimbilio in this world.  I hope they inspire you to do the same!

A Humble Servant!
Greg