Honduras (MNN) — The ministry of Buckner International is
just beginning in Honduras, after two years of preparation. MNN's Ruth Kramer is in Honduras with Buckner and files this report:
"The inaugural launch this year has included two summer
mission teams and the first "Shoes For Orphan Souls" venture (SOS).
"Next year marks a decade of singular vision in this outreach. Since their beginning, SOS has distributed more than 1.6 million
pairs of new shoes to at-risk children in the United States and to orphans in
more than 60 countries around the world.
"According to Buckner, orphanages do not receive enough
funding to support the children in their care. The basics do not always include a pair of shoes. In these orphanages, many of the children
receive one pair of shoes to last the entire year, and some don't have shoes at
all.
"Buckner's adviser to Honduras, Frances Azzad, says that's why
the shoes given, on top of the Christmas celebrations, will have a
lasting impact. 'The kids will be
able to see at least nine or ten months throughout that year and remember that
somebody gave [shoes] to them. And they will associate that person who gave it to
them with the love of God, because they're coming here because they love God
and want to give them this pair of shoes.'
"Our team has plans to do Vacation Bible Schools, along with
numerous Christmas celebrations and Shoes For Orphan Souls at eight Buckner
partnering orphanages, serving over 500 kids as the hands and feet of
Christ.
"Azzad goes on to say that by meeting people's physical
needs, the seeds of the Gospel are planted.
In this case, there is already a good relationship in place with the
First Lady of Honduras. However, SOS has
allowed Buckner to establish other government relationships around the world,
building the framework for long-term support and a more committed form of
evangelism."
If you are interested in volunteering for an SOS trip, click
here.
