More than pictures | Kinston Women of Vision Shoe Drive | Samantha blogs

In December 2010 Kinston Women of Vision partnered up with Samaritan’s Feet for a Shoe Drive at the GATE, and it was simply amazing. I, Lindsay, was given the gracious gift of capturing the event (see the photos here). I was moved nearly to tears several times, and I almost put my camera down so I could get in there and wash some feet. This year, Samantha had the opportunity to cover the event. She did an amazing job, don’t you agree!? Please leave her a comment of encouragement! 

“Hey! Look at my shoes!” It was the exuberant exclamation of a five year old girl, hiking her pant legs up just a little, so that I could get a closer look at her new shoes. She and two of her friends were running around the tables at the GATE, excitement on their faces.

It was December 1, around 5:00 P.M. when families began to congregate the waiting room of the GATE. The Women of Vision of Kinston and the GATE of Kinston had partnered together and with over thirty volunteers prayed up and ready to serve, the night began. Children only a few months old, fifth graders, and teenagers all came to receive free shoes. The energy in the room was high as the activity was organized, yet a chaotic sort of organized. There were children, parents, and volunteers everywhere, runners weaving in and out of the room as they brought in shoes to the foot washers.

I was able to capture many precious moments as the night continued on. The children had their feet measured, then went into a room to hear the Gospel message of God’s great love for them. Then, a foot washer washed their feet, put new socks on them, and finally a brand new pair of shoes!

My favorite part of the whole night was watching the foot washer pray over each child. Some children traveled from station to station in silence, a passive expression upon their faces, while others could not hide their joy. It was amazing to see over one hundred children come through the GATE. And it was even better to see the volunteers bent over in their chairs, or even sit on the floor, to wash the feet of those in need. What better way to celebrate the Christmas season then to give back and serve!

More than Pictures ∙ The Gate, Women of Vision and Samaritan's Feet Ministries

I am going to start a Christmas tradition. Well, maybe I should say, continue one. Christmas tends to bring out the charitable side of a lot of people. It is a time to think about other people and give gifts. I love this part of Christmas, but really, it gives me greater joy when I come across people who are like this year-round.  I want to introduce them to you

I was trying to decide who to start with when Stacey, one of my friends from church, called me and gave me the answer. I was invited to capture an event. Some people may call it a shoe drive, but it was so much more.  Three ministries, The Gate, Women of Vision and Samaritan’s Feet, partnered up to give shoes to local kids who needed them. But it did not stop there.

When I was told about the event, I had no idea what I would experience that night. It started with a room full of shoes,  and ended at a washing station manned by about 30 volunteers.  The foot-washing had nothing to do with whether the kids’ feet were dirty or not. It was an act of loving service exampled by Jesus. While they washed the kids’ feet, the volunteers would talk to them and “love on them.” (I just love that phrase!) After their feet were dried, the volunteers would put the brand new socks and shoes on the kids’ feet. The expressions of the kids AND volunteers were priceless!  Just thinking about it makes me well up. I’m not going to say any more. I am going to show you.

 

For more information about this event, take a look at the Women of Vision blog:

http://womenofvision.wordpress.com/2010/12/08/a-wov-story-of-hope-and-inspiration-kinston-chapter-shoes-of-hope-distribution/

You can also read more about these ministries at the links below:

http://www.thegateofkinston.org/

http://womenofvision.wordpress.com/

http://www.samaritansfeet.org/our-mission