Domino Effect

Some things are oddly satisfying: popping bubble wrap, taking the protective plastic off of something new, and of course, toppling dominos.

On November 13, 2009, a small ball painted like a globe struck a domino, setting off a chain reaction. With almost 4.5 million dominos toppled, it set a world record. It’s more than oddly satisfying to watch the 90-minute event. It’s quite fascinating. Even more so, it is a great visual representation of what happens with the “Your Soles ~ Their Souls” shoe drive.

Since its beginning five years ago, supporters have donated over 29,000 pairs of shoes to the shoe drive. It’s an impressive number with a huge domino effect.

Though exact numbers are not possible to calculate, it’s quite conceivable to imagine that the shoe drive has impacted well over 75,000 people worldwide. How? Churches, organizations, and businesses promote the shoe drive. People respond. Their hearts are positively impacted by their acts of generosity. Volunteers sort and count shoes. Their hearts are filled because that is the effect that service has on a person. Shoes are picked up by another organization and their drivers have income. Boots on the ground in India receive funds. They are financially empowered to carry out God’s calling on their lives. Villagers learn to read and write. They also learn the Bible. Their lives are transformed. Meanwhile, shoes keep traveling to their destinations in developing countries. There, they are used by individuals and families to start small businesses. Rent gets paid and food is put on the table. Shoppers are able to purchase quality shoes at a reasonable price. Financial stewardship frees up money for other living expenses. One domino after another is affected in a continuing chain reaction of blessings. The love of Jesus and the Gospel message of salvation and hope through Him is spread. It’s an awe-inspiring feat that eclipses any Guinness record because it’s one that changes thousands of lives.

The Tide expresses heartfelt gratitude toward everyone who has participated in any way. Whether a person’s participation was motivated by the need for a closet clear-out, a heart for humanitarian efforts, or a passion for people worldwide to learn of Jesus and the eternal life He offers, it made a difference and continues to make a difference.

This year’s shoe drive has concluded, but the ministry of The Tide continues. After almost 80 years of ministry through media broadcasts and other outlets, we are always looking for ways to keep spreading the Gospel. We hope to experience the satisfying work of sharing the Good News of Jesus for another 80 years.

As this year’s shoes begin making their way around the world, we want to invite you to pray for all those lives who are enriched by them. We also invite you to pray about how you can continue to be involved in the domino effect of the ministry. Every amount given, every moment of prayer, every minute spent volunteering, and even every pair of shoes donated, has a global and eternal impact.