| December 2009 eNewsletter www.samaritansfeet.org |
MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM SAMARITAN'S FEET! |
|
Samaritan's Feet eNewsletter
|
Keep current on breaking news! Join "Samaritan's Feet Shoe of Hope Ambassadors" by clicking  and follow our adventures across the globe at  ! |
|
|
Largest Single Day Shoe Distribution in History!
A partnership between Kingdom Builder's Fellowship and Samaritan's Feet has resulted in the largest single day shoe distribution in the history of Samaritan's Feet!
Five hundred Houston volunteers including U.S. Congressman Al Green and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, washed the feet of 5,000 children in need on December 19th. Each child was given a new pair of shoes and touched with a message of hope to showcase Houston's spirit of giving during the Christmas season.
"I am overwhelmed with joy and humility that we will be doing the biggest event we have ever done for so many families in need," said Manny Ohonme, Founder of Samaritan's Feet.
After their feet were washed and they received new shoes, four gang members stayed to hear from inspiring speakers and singers. Consequently, all four young men publicly renounced their lives in the gang and committed their lives to God.
Bishop James Dixon enthused, "This is an answer to my prayers that we would find an organization who believes what we believe and to be able to reach out to our community in such a loving way." |
Taylor University Coach goes "Barefoot for Bare Feet!"
On December 11th at Taylor University's Odle Auditorium in Upland, Indiana, Head Basketball Coach Paul Patterson doffed his shoes and socks to coach his team in his bare feet. As a sellout crowd cheered him on, the Barefoot Coach Patterson led his team to a double digit victory over Ohio State-Marion and in the process raised $2,000 for Samaritan's Feet!
Taylor Professor Dr. Quinn White led the crowd in a half time 'text to give' campaign, in which nearly 400 fans texted the word SHOES to #85944, providing a $5 donation 'per text' to Samaritan's Feet. Within fifteen minutes the text campaign raised $2,000, translating into 400 pairs of new shoes!
The shoes will be hand delivered by Taylor University students during their 2010 overseas mission trips. Taylor students will serve as Samaritan's Feet Ambassadors by washing the feet of 400 impoverished children and providing them with shoes.
"It's always important to do something for people in a significant way," remarked Coach Patterson. Thanks to his willingness to use his platform to raise awareness of those who suffer without shoes, Coach Patterson and the students at Taylor will improve the lives of 400 needy children.
Are you a coach who would be willing to coach one game barefoot for children in need, or do you know a coach you could ask to participate in our "Barefoot for Bare Feet" Coaching event? Please contact us HERE! |
|
|
|
|
 |
Meet Elias-an orphan from Zambia
When Samaritan's Feet Ambassador Sommer Clayman met 10-year old orphan Elias Daka, the quiet and solemn boy was living with his aunt and six other children in a two room house.
In Zambia, orphans are often considered an extra burden that family members do not want.
Elias' grandmother was heavily involved in witchcraft and sorcery, using Elias in many rituals that placed his life in great danger.
During a week at Camp LIFE in Lusaka, Zambia, Elias dedicated his life to God. The rest of the week of camp, Elias' downcast eyes and somber face were replaced with bright eyes and a beautiful smile!
With the help of Summer Clayman, Elias was removed from the family members who did not want him, and placed in a home with four to six other children cared for by a full-time Discipleship Leader from Family Legacy's Community Resource Center.
Arriving at his new home in Lusaka, Elias excitedly learned that his good friend and school mate Patrick, was also living at the center!
Elias, a precious 10-year old boy who had been passed around meaninglessly for most of his life, now has a safe home, a warm place to sleep, three meals a day, new shoes, the ability to attend school, and continual counseling and discipleship from the leaders at the center.
Would YOU like to personally touch the life of a child like Elias? Join us on a Samaritan's Feet international trip! Contact us HERE for details!
|
 |
|
Looking for the perfect gift? Consider Manny's inspiring autobiography,
