Efren is a fellow-worker in the vineyard of the Lord. He is 56 years old, gutsy, and unmindful of other people’s reaction to his evangelistic fervor. He doesn’t mind using his old, hole-laden shoes. The challenge he would always face is how to trudge the paths of the slum community without getting both of his feet wet. His heart is

willing to go anywhere, but his poor shoes, is not. If it hasbrought any comfort at all, it is the fact that it has become a constant reminder of his industry in bringing the good news of the Lord to the less fortunate.The wet season which came in June has limited Efren’s movement. If he ever had extra money, buying new shoes would not be his priority. I am guessing that he has been praying for a new pair of shoes.

One day my mother-in-law arrived from the United States. In one of the boxes she brought with her was a new pair of sturdy, high-cut shoes. When I saw it, I thought of Efren. I told Mom about Efren’s shoes. She readily gave it. The next time I went to the area I surprised Efren with the new shoes and three new pairs of thick white socks. He was very happy to say the least. That precise moment when someone receives a gift that he really needs is a moment made in heaven. It is a moment when the human heart touches the heart of God, for the heart of that man has turned toward God in praise and worship, and the eyes of that heart has been filled with hope. If there were ever were tears, they are tears of gladness.
The following day Efren confidently walked the wet and muddy paths of the community. He chanced upon a group of mothers, fathers, and children, mourning the death of a loved one. Wakes like this one is a public event. It goes on for at least a week. It would take this long because relatives from the provinces are expected to come, but may be delayed due to distance and the need to find money for fare and help. Efren’s meeting with these people is nothing more than providential. He had the opportunity to share the gospel to them. The place, for some minutes, ceased to be a place for mourning the dead; for something holy, something sacred, descended upon the people. The word of God works in the hearts of men and women in ways that are beyond the knowledge of the most intelligent. The greatest threat to mankind is not poverty but the Gospel of Jesus. For the gospel makes people decide radically whether or not to follow Jesus and surrender everything to Him—including poverty. But it is only a threat to all false sense of security that people hold dear. The gospel is the absolute iconoclast. They prayed to receive Him. Efren had nothing to offer to the dead, but to the living ones, he made sure they knew about the love of God for them. Doing evangelism in the streets of London or going to the slums of Metro Manila to plant churches are both glorious endeavors, for “Lovely on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news.”

And how did this happen? It was the new shoes. Ha,ha,ha. The shoes made it possible for Efren to go and share the gospel. The old one served as a perfect alibi for not going out. He would proudly announce that his shoes made it possible for him to wade through the shallow water and mud.  Efren experienced the care of God through the shoes, and those men and women, heard about the love and grace of God.

Also, I knew that Efren has been having a difficult time earning his income. He buys old bicycles, repairs  and repaints them, and sells them. When he got sick a few weeks ago, whatever savings he had was used to buy his medicines. I loaned him some money so he can start again with his business. I saw the relief in his face. But I don’t mind at all if he could not pay me back. Freely I have received, freely I will give.