Two weeks ago, I attended a Columbia District “clergy day” at Epworth 
where I had the opportunity to hear about the devastation and hurt 
that is presently happening in Sudan, Africa and some of the churches 
response to that devastation. One of the stories I heard about involved 
a picture of a young boy whose only clothing was a pair of oversized 
tennis shoes.

I look forward to this summer, sharing and learning more about Sudan 
with the church and helping us to participate in relief and care to a 
group of hurting people. Our present goal is to involve the church in 
a “Tent” project that will be painted by the children and youth 
and sent to the refugees of Sudan. I will share more information about 
this project to come this summer.

Sunday, June 1st, we are asking members to do one of two things.  Wear 
a “good used” pair of shoes to church and take them off and bring 
them to the altar during the last hymn of the service to give to the 
poor or bring an extra pair "good used” shoes from home to take 
to the altar on June 1st.  We also need persons to donate $2 per pair 
of shoes for shipping.  I believe this can be a  wonderful teaching 
opportunity for parents to participate with their children/youth in 
mission.  We will be collecting shoes through June 15th ~ Father’s day 
as part of the Soles4Souls Ministry.

The Soles4Souls ministry began in the aftermath of the 2004 tsunami, 
and was invoked again after Katrina through its founder, Wayne Elsey. 
Wayne has now founded a non-profit ministry that works internationally 
with businesses and churches to collect and distribute shoes to those 
in need in America and around  the World.

The trick for so much relief work is not the donation, it is getting 
the donation to the people in need at the right time and place.  
Soles4Souls seems to do this well.  You may want to check out the 
history of this ministry for yourself by clicking the link on our 
church web page to Soles4souls ministry.  Remember, our web site 
is www.redbankumc.com. We will also make a printed history and put 
it on the missions board at the church for those who do not have 
internet access.

Thanks for your care for the poor and for giving your shoes to Jesus.


Joy and Peace ~ Tommy Wilkes

P.S.  I hope your looking forward to a wonderful summer!