What an awesome day!

When I first met Manny at his annual golf outing a few years ago, I knew immediately that I wanted to be involved in seeing his vision come to fruition.  I believe that God places certain people in the ever-winding paths of our lives that will challenge us to be better, lift us up when we are down and be a partner in ministry.  Manny Ohomne is one of those people for me.

Over the last year and a half, I have been blessed to be the huddle leader of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes ministry at United Faith Christian Academy.  One of the challenges I have posed to the students is to live their faith out loud; to be radically and completely sold out for Christ and how He would have them live their lives.  The theme verse that God placed on my heart for this year is 1 Timothy 4:12 – “Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.”

Well, this past October 25th, that verse came alive to me like never before.  I watched as 30 young people gave up their Saturday afternoon and walked, skipped and giggled their way for a mile up and down one of the busiest streets in Charlotte.  I watched as they waved to passersby, trekked through mud from a construction site, joyfully explained the purpose of the walk to a passing jogger and collectively asked why we couldn’t walk a few more miles.  Never once was there a complaint.  Instead, they smiled and walked, knowing they were giving of their own money and time to help those that couldn’t help themselves.

After the walk was completed, I sprang a surprise on them and told that we would be serving each other as Jesus served the disciples by washing each other’s feet.  We reviewed the story from John 13 and I asked if anyone would be willing to volunteer to sit alongside of me and serve the group.  A tear came to my eye when almost all of the students raised their hands and volunteered to wash some very dirty feet.  There were some who were shy and some in need of a pedicure, but we all enjoyed serving each other and honoring our Savior by remembering the cleansing blood of Jesus spilled on the cross for all of us.

I feel extremely humbled and honored to have been a small part of the World Walk.  I can speak for all of the students when I say that we can’t wait until next year when we will walk again, barefoot and joyful, in service to our Lord for the benefit of children all over the world.  Until then, we implore all who read this to live out loud for Christ, be the blessing and be an example for all believers regardless of your age.

Thank you to Manny, Tracie and all of the folks at Samaritan’s Feet for their tireless efforts and for inspiring others through their ever-present smiles.  We look forward to working with all of you again very soon.

- Scott Woods, United Faith Christian Academy FCA