Save Your Old Shoes!

May 25, 2010

Dear St. Paul’s Family,

We have all seen footage of people around the world devastated by poverty, disease, and natural catastrophes. In the face of such tragedies, we often feel too helpless to make any kind of lasting impact. But one thing has been proven time and again: long-term recovery takes place with the sum effect of smaller efforts, joined by people partnering in unison. Together, we can make a difference.

That’s why I was delighted when Sheree Hausmann came to me offering to spearhead a new effort by St. Paul’s. She read about a ministry called Soles 4 Souls, which receives used footwear and delivers them to countries around the world. Every 9 seconds, they give a pair of shoes to someone in need, and they are quickly approaching an astonishing 9 million pairs of shoes distributed.

In case you’re wondering why it’s important for people to wear shoes, particularly in impoverished areas, here’s some compelling evidence:

· In rural areas where people walk through volcanic soil, such as in Ethiopia, going barefoot can lead to podoconiosis, a preventable but disfiguring illness that causes swelling and ulcers in the feet and lower legs.

· Many school-aged children in Africa suffer from a disease called schistosomiasis, caused by parasitic worms in contaminated fresh water. Within weeks, children suffer from fever, chills, and muscle aches.

· About 42% of Nigerian children are infected with tungiasis, caused by fleas which burrow into the bare skin of the sole or toes, and cause gangrene, tetanus, or even death.

· Hookworm is a rampant intestinal parasite that plagues over 1 billion people in Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America. It causes anemia, abdominal pain, and weight loss.

And that’s only the tip of the iceberg of all the diseases that can be greatly reduced, simply by wearing a pair of shoes! Just think about it: rather that throwing out an old pair of shoes, bring them to the church, and literally save a life. It’s that simple!

Here’s some frequently asked questions:

What kinds of shoes will they take?
All kinds! Flip-flops, bedroom slippers, athletic shoes, work boots. If it is designed to be worn on the feet, bring them in!

What sizes will they take?
They will take any sized shoe, even for little children.

What if the shoes are in horrible shape?
It doesn’t matter. Even if the shoes are dirty, falling apart, and punctured with holes, Soles 4 Souls can dissemble the shoe and take the usable material to create basic footwear.

What if it’s missing its pair?
It doesn’t matter! Again, this company strongly believes in making use of any kind of shoe that comes in, even if it has lost its “Sole Mate.”

Where do I bring them?
Just bring them to the church. We’ll have a collection box in the narthex where you can drop them off. Periodically, Sheree Hausmann will deliver the shoes to the local collection site in Orange City, where the shoes will be processed and sent out for delivery worldwide.

Will my donation be tax-deductible?
If you’d like, contact the church office and let us know if you’d like your shoes to count toward your financial giving statement. We’ll secure a statement from Soles 4 Souls.

Finally, this will be an ongoing mission project for the church. There will be no timeline or deadline to receive shoes. We’ll continue to take them over the course of the upcoming year. That means that as you continue to clean out your closets, keep the church in mind. We’ll make sure that your contribution makes a big difference.

For more information, visit souls4soles.org.

Grace and Peace,

Magrey

The Rev. Magrey R. deVega
St. Paul's United Methodist Church
531 W. Main St.
Cherokee, IA 51012
Ph: 712-225-3955
http://www.cherokeespumc.org



WORSHIP THIS SUNDAY
We join with Christians around the world in celebrating Trinity Sunday, and marking the work of the Godhead in our lives. We will also spend our prayer time commemorating Memorial Day, and acknowledging those who have died in service to this country.

SUMMER SCHEDULE BEGINS JUNE 6
We begin our summer worship schedule on June 6, with worship starting at 9:30, and Sunday school suspended throughout the summer. Also, Phyllis Parrott will be coordinating sign-ups for after church coffees from June through August. Please contact her to bring in refreshments.

IMPORTANT CHURCH-WIDE MEETING JUNE 6
Following the worship service on June 6, the Building Committee will be giving an important update on the status of the upcoming renovation and capital campaign. You will have the opportunity to give the committee critical feedback that will guide its recommendation later this year.