Spotlight on Salem Church Outreach
FALL / WINTER 2026 ISSUE | 6 minute read
A New Sole for a Soul: Offering HOPE One Step at a Time
Sometimes, making a difference starts with something as simple as saying “yes.”
At Salem Church of God, our mission is simple: “Offer HOPE to our City & Beyond.” Over the past six years, we have discovered that one of the most meaningful ways to fulfill that mission is by investing in the students and staff of our local middle school, Andrew Lewis.
For years, our church operated a successful food pantry, meeting the needs of families throughout our community. But in 2020, as the number of people we served began to decline and our pantry leader stepped away due to illness, we asked an important question: How can we keep making a meaningful impact in our community?
That question led us to Andrew Lewis Middle School. Middle schools are often overlooked in community support, and we wanted to change that. What began as a meeting with then-Principal Garst to offer a simple donation has grown into an incredible six-year partnership. Since then, our church has contributed more than $20,000 to support the school's food pantry, teachers, and various special projects.
But perhaps the most exciting part of this partnership has been our “A New Sole for a Soul” project.
The idea began with one simple question from the school: “Can you help us get some shoes? Our answer was YES.
We didn't have a detailed plan or know exactly where the money would come from, but we believed God was opening a door, and we were willing to walk through it.
Through this project, we partnered with individuals, churches, and businesses inside and outside our community to raise at least $5,000 to buy 100 pairs of name-brand shoes for the school's care closet. Rather than simply receiving whatever shoes are available, students in need have the opportunity to “shop” and choose shoes they actually like—shoes similar to those worn by their peers.
It's about more than providing a basic necessity. It's about helping students walk into school with confidence, feel a sense of belonging, and know people in their community genuinely care about them.
After successfully launching this project two years ago, Andrew Lewis' administration asked us at the end of last school year if we would consider doing it again.
Of course, we said yes!
And once again, our church and community have responded with incredible generosity. As of this writing, we have raised $6,400, surpassing our original $5,000 goal, with fundraising continuing through November 1.
Looking back, what started with a simple request has become a powerful reminder that we don't have to have everything figured out before taking a step of faith. Sometimes, we simply need to be willing to respond when God presents an opportunity.
When God opens a door, sometimes all He asks us to do is say yes.
Because in the end, this project is about so much more than shoes. It's about restoring confidence, showing love, meeting real needs, and reminding students that they matter.
Together, we're bringing HOPE to our community—one SOLE at a time!