Changing Lives, One Pair of Shoes at a Time with Shawn Spurrier

It’s easy to forget how something as simple as a pair of shoes can change a life. But for vulnerable children around the world, shoes mean protection, dignity, and the chance to dream.

Today, we’ll hear how Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls is meeting this need with the love of Christ. Shawn Spurrier joins us to share the incredible impact that is being made all around the world, one pair of shoes at a time.

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

The Heart of Buckner International

Founded in Dallas, Texas, Buckner International has been serving vulnerable children, families, and seniors for more than 146 years. Their mission is clear: to follow the example of Jesus by serving the most vulnerable in every phase of life. From foster care and adoption to family-strengthening programs and senior care, Buckner demonstrates Christ’s love in tangible ways.

The Shoes for Orphan Souls initiative began 25 years ago in Dallas as a small effort to provide children in orphanages with something they lacked: their own pair of shoes. Many had to borrow communal shoes from a basket just to attend school.

Since then, the ministry has distributed more than 5 million pairs of shoes in 86 countries. These shoes do more than protect feet—they open doors to health, education, dignity, and the hope of Christ.

Why Shoes Matter

A new pair of shoes provides more than comfort:

• Health Protection – In many regions, shoes prevent devastating illnesses like hookworm or podoconiosis.
• Access to Education – In many countries, schools require shoes as part of their uniform, making footwear a key factor in attending class.
• Economic Stability – Protecting children from illness reduces financial strain on families already in vulnerable situations.
• Hope and Dignity – Every pair is delivered with prayer, encouragement, and the gospel, often through partnerships with local churches.

Stories of Transformation

Shawn shared two moving stories that reveal the ministry’s impact:

• Romina in Mexico – A seven-year-old girl was overwhelmed with tears when she realized someone cared enough to give her a pair of shoes. That moment reminded Sean why this work matters—it’s a tangible expression of Christ’s love.
   
• Dulce in Guatemala – An eight-year-old girl received pink-and-white shoes so she could attend school. That simple gift opened the door for her family to receive housing, literacy training for her mother, and ultimately, salvation and discipleship for her father.

A small act of generosity became the seed of a transformed family story.

Your Opportunity to Give

This month, we’re partnering with Buckner to put shoes on the feet of 1,000 children worldwide. Each pair represents health, education, dignity, and an opportunity for children and families to hear the gospel.

• $15 provides a pair of shoes.
• $150 provides shoes for 10 children.

You can be part of this life-changing work by visiting GiveShoesToday.org. Together, we can share the love of Christ one pair of shoes at a time.

On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:

• I’m retiring and turning 65 in February. Right now, I’m covered by my employer’s health insurance, but I’m running into issues with prescription coverage. Should I sign up for Medicare now, keep my employer insurance as primary, and then wait until my younger wife becomes eligible for Medicare?
• I’ve managed to pay off all my credit card debt, but now my mortgage company has started foreclosure proceedings. They’re demanding $2,160, and I’m not sure how to handle it. The FDIC says they shouldn’t be taking this action, but I haven’t received any formal notification yet.

Resources Mentioned:

• Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s New Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)
• Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls
• Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money
• Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devoti