Metro Voice News Celebrating Faith, Family & Community
The Tide ministry launches its fourth annual “Your Soles, Their Souls” shoe drive this Thursday, marking an ambitious effort to surpass last year’s collection of 6,494 pairs of shoes. The unique campaign, sponsored by Cubes Storage Solutions of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, runs through March 7.
The ministry transforms donated footwear into opportunities for entrepreneurs in developing nations while funding Gospel outreach programs. What makes this initiative unique is its dual impact: supporting small business owners abroad while advancing literacy and spiritual education in India.
“Many of us have shoes in our closets that we never or hardly wear. Our annual shoe drive is a great way for our supporters to clean out their closets and support our ministry work at the same time,” says Don Shenk, The Tide ministry director.
The process is remarkably straightforward. After collecting new and gently used shoes, The Tide’s partner organization purchases them, using the proceeds to fund Gospel Outreach Literacy Classes in India. These classes serve a dual purpose, teaching practical skills while introducing students to biblical teachings.
“The ‘Your Soles, Their Souls’ campaign is a great way to bring awareness to what we have been doing around the world,” says Shenk. “How often do we look in our closets and see unused shoes? Now they can be put to a heavenly use and further our mission to spread the Gospel around the world. We at The Tide ministry have been fortunate enough to have spent over 78 years sharing the Good News through various media broadcasts, and it is our hope that we can spend the next seven decades continuing this mission and seeing Christ change the lives of listeners worldwide.”
Metro Voice News has previously reported on The Tide’s success in reaching diverse communities through innovative outreach programs. The ministry’s approach has evolved significantly since its humble beginnings as a local radio broadcast in 1946.
The shoe drive’s impact extends beyond spiritual outreach. In participating countries, aspiring entrepreneurs receive comprehensive business training through a five-part micro-enterprise course. Upon completion, they receive 150 pairs of shoes to start their own microbusiness – all at no charge to them.
“Our partners call this ‘a hand up, not a handout,'” notes Shenk. “Once they have sold about six to eight pairs of shoes, they have usually made enough profit to purchase another 150 pairs to keep their business going. This allows the business owners to take a step out of poverty and provide for their families at no risk to them.”
The ministry’s expansion reflects its commitment to combining practical assistance with spiritual guidance. Today, The Tide operates across three continents, broadcasting Gospel-centered content in multiple languages while supporting initiatives like literature distribution and leadership training.
Community members can get involved by:
- Becoming a community drop-off location
- Promoting the shoe drive and collecting shoes
- Donating new/gently used shoes
“We are always looking for creative ways to further our mission and spread the Gospel,” says Shenk. “It is edifying to see our supporters gather together and help out in such a tangible way. We can’t wait to see how the Lord will use these shoes to impact His kingdom.”
Supporters don’t have to live in Pennsylvania or the Northeasst to participate. Contact them for more information: 877- 859–5484.
–Metro Voice
