Resources For Churches
Sunday School/Children’s Activity
Gather the group around a large paper cross that has been taped to the floor. Place pans of colored poster paint around it, using a different color in each pan. Then talk about what it means to be a part of the cross; to be willing to walk as a servant in the same way Christ did. One at a time, each child can choose a color to dip their feet in, and walk across the paper, leaving their footprints on the cross. This can be done as an indication of their decision to follow the way of the cross. Next, you can do a foot washing ceremony, where kids wash the paint off each other’s feet. (Provide pans, towels, soap, etc.)
This exercise can be followed up with good discussion. As you view the cross together, you can talk about the significance of the different kinds of footprints on it, how they are all unique, the blending of colors in the middle section, the plain cross that is now bright with colors, etc. You can close by allowing kids to cut the cross into small poster size pieces and take them home to hang on their walls as a reminder of their commitment to walk with Christ.
Barefoot Sunday
Choose a date for your barefoot event, and advertise it well in advance. Prepare students or your entire church family to show up for this special service or event without shoes. Add a red carpet to your main entrance to add some excitement, along with a photographer to capture guests as they arrive. Participants are encouraged to bring along their shoe donations on this date. This is a fun way to involve all ages, as kids, teens, and adults will realize how it feels to live for a few hours without shoes. A Barefoot Event can also be advertised along with your shoe drive, as the kick-off or closing date of your drive. (Be sure to share your pictures and events with us, so we can add you to our SFJ Photo Gallery!)
Fun Games
Games are a great way to get people actively involved in your shoe drive. When you ask individuals to donate shoes, invite them to take part in barefoot games like these:
Feet by the foot: Teams line up with their feet in a single file line, heel to toe, to see which team has the most footage. Longest line wins.
Lemon Pass: Teams remove shoes and try to pass a lemon down the line without using their hands (only feet). The lemon cannot drop or the team has to start over.
Foot drawing: Each team chooses an object in the room. Using only feet for patterns, they trace parts of the feet on paper to create that object. Other teams must then guess what that object is.
VBS: Vacation Bible School
We are grateful for those who choose SFJ as their mission project! You can collect shoes and funds with the students and we’ll do our best to provide an SFJ representative to share with your group if you desire.
Artistic Ideas
Cards for Africa: Children of all ages will have fun creating hand-made cards and notes to send to Africa. This is a great way for children to get involved, as they use their creativity to share encouraging messages. Each card will be given along with a pair of shoes, and will be greatly appreciated.
Decorate Canvas Shoes: Kids love this fun project! You can purchase white canvas shoes for your group, or you can ask each child to bring in a pair of white canvas shoes. You can show our SFJ Promo Video to the group, so they understand who will be getting their shoes. Then encourage them to be creative and have fun! Use fabric paint or markers to draw pictures, share a scripture or write a special message on the shoes. These gifts of love will be a treasure to each child who receives them!
Other Fun Ideas
- Host a dance or auction event and donate ticket proceeds or admission fees to SFJ.
- Designate someone to walk around with a shoe or rain boot at sporting events or rallies. People can donate their change and bills when it comes by.
- Have a lemonade stand, or car wash and donate the proceeds to SFJ.
- Ask your principal if those who donate $1 can go barefoot for the day (or class). If your school requires a uniform, a casual day can be earned by making a donation!.
