T
he 5-year-old jumped for joy, her arms in the air, her dark pigtails flying. It was a moment 16 years in the making. On Jan. 12, Dulce was the recipient of the 3 millionth pair of shoes distributed through Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls®
, the largest
humanitarian aid project of Buckner International. Buckner President and CEO Albert Reyes became emotional when speaking of the accomplishment. Since 1999, individuals across the United States have donated shoes, led shoe drives, sorted the footwear and placed them on the feet of vulnerable children around the world. “This is a tremendous moment for the Buckner family and a testimony to the power of God,” he said. “While we celebrate the 3 millionth pair of shoes being distributed, the Lord has touched many more lives through Shoes for Orphan Souls, bringing people together every step of the way to live out the James 1:27 mandate of ministering to vulnerable children. “As a result of the shoes that have been distributed, children are
healthier, they’re able to attend schools and their families can spend scarce resources on other necessities. We thank God for the opportunity to have ministered to these children and look forward to serving many more.” The act of putting new shoes on the feet of a child has the power to
transform the giver as well as the recipient. “This year marks 40 years since I answered a vocational call to preach the Gospel,” Reyes said. “I can honestly say that kneeling in front of a child to wash and dry their feet and place new socks and shoes on them is among the most impactful experiences I have ever had. It is the Jesus way, a way to say, ‘Hope shines here!’” Like so many children who have received shoes through the years,
Dulce’s pair was another step along a larger journey toward health and wholeness with the help of the local Buckner Family Hope Center. Dulce’s mother, Maria Elena Raymundo, came to the Family Hope
Center in 2012 when they lived in the same neighborhood as the Hope Center. At the time, Maria Elena’s husband, Oscar Francisco Alquijay, was unemployed and Maria Elena was cleaning houses trying to scrape a living together. It wasn’t enough; the family couldn’t afford to eat. She met Maldonado and received food assistance immediately. Soon Maldonado visited the family’s home where conditions were
poor. Oscar was dealing with a drinking issue that kept him from keeping a job. It also contributed to violent outbursts that frightened Maria Elena and her girls. Their home was heavy with sadness and short on hope. Maldonado told Maria Elena about parenting classes offered at
the Hope Center and invited the girls to the children’s devotionals. The family’s visits to the center’s doctor revealed that the oldest, Michel, was suffering from malnutrition and her growth was stunted. The doctor prescribed a special diet, supplemented the family’s food supply and provided vitamins. Now 13, Michel is healthy again. In
14 Buckner Today • SPRING 2015 ISSUE
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