New shoes for school

DRUMHELLER, Alta. – For ten years, Grace Lutheran Church has been involved in helping kids go back to school. A decade ago they tried a new idea called “new shoes for school” where the church offered a new pair of running shoes to any child in the town of 8,000, as well as in the surrounding area, whose parents were struggling with the cost of back to school supplies. 

They began the program with a lot of trepidation and a little bit of faith. They wondered if they could meet the needs of the community. What if they had overwhelming requests and had to turn kids away? How could they determine if these families were really in need? Would there be enough funds?

Like so many issues with our faith, God multiples, supplies, provides, and ensures that His grace is sufficient. The first year, the church provided about 25 pairs of shoes and had wonderful feedback from families who were grateful for the assistance. The church saw how the program gave them opportunities to connect with some of the most vulnerable families in their community and pray for these people. And they still ended the program that first year with a surplus of money.

The congregation is now providing about 60 pairs of shoes to their community each year, and has expanded their contact with families by encouraging children to attend monthly spaghetti suppers for kids at the church, as well as Vacation Bible School and Sunday School. Church members praise God that every year they have been able to raise more than enough funds to cover the costs and have not had to turn a single child away.

The church thinks of the miracle of the fish and the loaves and how Jesus generously poured out His blessings to ensure that there was enough to fill the need. That is what He has done with their small offerings. 

One mother whose children received shoes this year sent a touching thank you, saying that she had been extremely stressed about being able to afford all the supplies needed for back to school for her two children but the church had given her renewed hope along with “new shoes for school.” 

Lynn Hemming

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