Every Step Matters: The Global Impact of Buckner Shoes with Shawn Spurrier

Episode 771

For many children, going barefoot isn’t a choice—it’s a daily struggle that puts their health, safety, and future at risk. But one pair of shoes can change that story.

Today, we’ll hear how Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls is bringing hope and dignity to vulnerable children around the world. Shawn Spurrier joins us to share how God is changing lives through something as ordinary—and extraordinary—as shoes.

Shawn Spurrier is the Director of Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls at Buckner International, an underwriter of Faith & Finance.

A Mission That Began in Dallas

Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls started in 1999 as a local effort in Dallas, Texas, to serve children in Russian orphanages. Over 25 years later, God has expanded this work into a global ministry. Today, more than 5 million children in 86 countries have received shoes through the generosity of churches, businesses, and believers across the U.S.

What began as a small act of compassion has grown into a worldwide movement of hope.

More Than Shoes: Health, Safety, and Education

Around 300 million children worldwide lack access to shoes. This barrier affects nearly every aspect of life:

Health—Shoes prevent footborne diseases, many of which carry social stigma and long-term consequences.
Education—In many countries, shoes are required for school attendance. Without them, children are forced to stay home, trapped in cycles of poverty.
Hope—Receiving shoes as a gift in Jesus’ name opens hearts to the Gospel and connects families with life-changing ministries.

Shoes are more than fabric and rubber—they are a bridge to dignity, opportunity, and transformation.

Restoring Dignity for Families

For many of us, buying new shoes for back-to-school is routine. But in parts of the world where Buckner serves, parents may spend months saving to afford just one pair—or go without entirely. Some families must rotate a single pair of shoes between siblings, deciding who can attend school on a given day.

The gift of shoes restores dignity to parents, enabling them to provide for their children and giving kids the confidence to learn, grow, and thrive.

Global Reach and Local Impact

Buckner’s ministry extends both globally and locally:

United States—Shoe distributions in Texas, including for families affected by flooding.
Latin America—Serving children in Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Honduras, and Peru.
Africa—Programs in Ethiopia and Kenya.
Beyond—Partnerships have extended Buckner’s reach into 75+ additional countries.

Every pair of shoes opens the door to broader ministry. Family Hope Centers offer resources, education, and Christ-centered training, bringing lasting transformation to entire communities.

How You Can Join

Together, we’re striving to provide 1,000 children with shoes, socks, and the message of God’s love.

$15 provides one child with shoes and socks.
$150 equips ten children.

Visit GiveShoesToday.org to make your gift and bring hope to a child in need.

Shoes may seem ordinary, but in the life of a child, they are extraordinary. They represent safety, opportunity, dignity, and above all, the love of Christ.

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