By Cassundra Shepherd
The Answer Staff Writer

Shooze are on the move – from Las Vegas to Haiti that is.  Kingdom Ministries is doing its part in assisting the residents in ravage torn Haiti by collecting and shipping more then 200 pairs of tennis shoes.

The country that was broken up by the 7.0 magnitude earthquake more then a month ago is still in need of help – large or small.  The images of people walking barefoot amongst the broken glass from various buildings as well as the crumbled pavement will forever be in our hearts and on our minds.  It is up to us to decide if we would like to help.

Minister Ethel Smith along with the Gate Keepers and Voice of Kingdom choir – Kingdom Ministries 1401 N. Decatur Blvd Ste 30, Las Vegas, NV 89108 - have come together to do more then just remember the images, they intend to help.

“I love sports and one evening while watching a game with my husband, I saw Alonzo Mourning and Dewayne Wade talk about the need for help in Haiti after they had toured the city.  They were pleading for people to aid in the recovery efforts.  I wanted to help in a big way.  Not just send money down but do something more effective.  After speaking with my husband and praying for guidance, I was shown by God that the people needed shoes.  Not dress shoes or even flip-flops, but shoes that would cover their feet from the rubble that they were walking on.  They need shoes that would be able to grip the ground and support their steps,” stated Minister Smith.

“The basketball players have a great deal of money they can send down.  They can even go at a drop of a dime and do hands on help, but people like me, are not able to drop everything and go down there.  So I am doing what God placed in my heart,” she added.

The shoes collected by Kingdom Ministries won’t make it to Haiti without a little extra help.  UPS will ship the shoes for free in boxes of 50lbs.  This makes the donation process even easier.  UPS understands millions of people are attempting to take part in the relief efforts yet the shipping cost can be a deterrent when you are low on cash.  Visit www.ups.com to see how the shipping is handled.  

“It is a blessing to have so many people support our sisters and brothers whom we have not met.  The shipping is an awesome thing that UPS is doing.  When I heard how they were shipping it brought to mind a biblical story.  Jesus had the disciples seat the people by fifties so He would be able to feed and teach them.  It all lines up with the Word.  God is in everything we do if we let Him in,” Minister Smith said.  “The young men in the NBA were an inspiration to me and I am grateful that I have been able to inspire others to help.”

During these difficult times for Port-au-Prince, Haiti, NBA players have stepped up more then some may know.  The NBA has teamed up with several assistant programs such as UNICEF and Clinton Bush Haiti Fund to aid the country in their time of need.  March Madness isn’t just about basketball it’s about showing people you care.

While there is still much to do in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, the country is finding itself gathering much of its belongings and putting them back together one day at a time.  You can still assist Haiti by logging onto www.nba.com/nba_cares/supporthaiti