Africa (MNN) — Foot washing and shoes are having an impact on AIDS orphans in sub-Saharan Africa, and you can help.
President of Teen Missions International Bob Bland says there are 13 million AIDS orphans there alone. "Practically none of them have shoes. So we send teams over — teenager teams — and we go over, and we take shoes to these kids."
The teams work through TMI's AIDS Orphan Rescue Units who reach out to these children in need. Bland says it's more than handing out shoes. He says they wash the orphans' feet, just like Jesus did with the disciples. "Many kids get diseases in their feet, and that affects their health. So we wash their feet, and then we treat them, because many of them have infections on their feet. We take a pair of socks as well, and then put a pair of shoes on their feet."
Each team consist of 20 to 30 teens. Bland says it's not just a physical provision. "If you wash their feet and give them a pair of shoes, the door is open for the Gospel."
This year they're sending out four teenage teams and one adult team. Bland says the only thing hampering them from doing more is "the people to go and do it."
Teen Missions' AIDS Orphan Rescue Units are manned by TMI's Bible school graduates, who are reaching out to these AIDS orphans. Bland says, "They work a five-mile circle with AIDS orphans in that area. And then they're going to continue to share the Gospel with them. Many of these young people come to know Christ as their Savior."
Bland is asking you to pray. "Pray that the Lord of the Harvest would send forth laborers — adults as well as teenagers."
If you would like to join a Teen Missions International foot-washing team, click here.
