The movie Charlie Wilson’s War, is the true* story of a US Congressman in the eighties, and one of the largest covert operations in American history. Wilson, played by Tom Hanks, figured out a way to get billions of dollars for the purchase of Stinger missiles. He is credited for turning the tide of Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. While not a man of great moral virtue, he was so moved by suffering children that he could not sit idly by.
Can you imagine traveling to a war torn country, observing children orphaned, starving, and terribly wounded?
One of our favorite missions is Samaritan’s Purse. I cannot begin to understand the sadness Franklin Graham and others experience as they tour village after village of hurting people. So I think I will buy some flip flops.
I’m pretty sure that will fix it.
Maybe not all of it, but at least some.
Many of the children that receive boxes through Operation Christmas Child live in warm areas. During collection times we buy gloves and hats and mittens and scarves. Where we are, flip flops have all been put away. So right now while they’re available for a few dollars at many stores, it’s a great time to stock up.
While reading Luke 2 this morning, I noticed the part where Mary and Joseph offered a pair of doves in honor of their Son. This was in obedience to the law,*** but an interesting side note is that the dove offering was for those who could not afford a lamb.
God knows we can’t all do all things. He is kind enough to make provisions for us to give something less costly. At the birth of His Son, the parents He chose to raise Him were poor. So they did what they could.
I wonder why God makes an alternate offering for the poor. I wonder if perhaps the blessing is in the giving.
So chop chop! Time to shop for flip flops!
Thanks Terrie Powles for this great idea.
Btw… Amanda wants you to know that a man with two left feet will need flip flips.
*true, as in Hollywood true
***TRUE as in Scriptural Truth: see Luke2:23,24; Leviticus12.8
I love you Lynna – What a blessed idea – I guess we need children and adult sizes?
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All sizes, gals and girls! Cause you know… everybody needs flip flops! ; )
Love you too my friend. Stay strong!
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Great idea! The church I went to at Virginia Tech would often collect flip-flops and other shoes for its yearly missions trips to Honduras. One pair of shoes can go a long way to helping a child know that he/she is loved! And Samaritan’s Purse is awesome. I look forward to making a shoebox this year. 🙂
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Me too Laura. Yay for shoeboxes! “Such a tiny offering… compared to Calvary!”
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Wonderful idea…when Jeremy goes to other countries with Franklin Graham he has been saddened by the condition of the children and how they live. I am sure those with no shoes would love some flip flops….thanks for sharing.
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I’m sure Jeremy’s travels have been heart wrenching and life changing. Maybe he can slip a few pairs into his camera bag = )
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Wow…very powerful Lynna!!
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Thank you so much Glenda. I love how the Lord uses little things. = )
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