The Dead Man's Shoes

The young boy waits as the old woman slowly crosses the snowy field. His fingers and feet are cold. He trembles as he thinks about picking up the shoes discarded by the dead mans widow. He runs, his heart racing faster than his legs. He knows picking up a dead mans belongings is taboo, but something drives him on.

"When I picked up the shoes of the dead man, the only thing I thought of is that I could wear warm shoes, that I wouldnt feel cold," says 12-year-old Han.

Finding better shoes was not the greatest challenge that Han would face this day. His mother is at home suffering with schizophrenia.

"I would do anything for my mother to recover and be normal," Han says. "I think in my heart other peoples mothers take care of their children, but my mother doesnt care for me any more. I help her to fold the quilts, make the bed, and clean the floor. I still help my mother to put on her shoes."

The familys struggle began several years ago with the death of Hans grandfather. The family was too poor to pay for his cancer treatment. Deeply in debt, the pressure became too great for Hans mother and she suffered a mental breakdown. Hans father would become both mother and father to the boy.

If all this werent enough, because money was so tight, Han was forced to leave the school he loved. In China there are no public schools and every family must pay for their children to attend.

"Because of the cost of tuition, I had to take my son out of school," Han's father explains. "I didnt permit him to go to school. That means there is no hope for him in the future if my son cant go to school. I felt so bad and sad at that time."

"I do like to study," says Han, "because studying can increase knowledge, and I also can go to university and can be a useful person in society."

So Han continued to study at home, hoping that someday things might go better for him. Then one day it happened. Thanks to the support of CBN partners, God brought a miracle to this little boy and his family. First came the gift of 50 chickens from CBN China to help the family start a cottage business selling eggs. The total cost was about $100.

"CBN bought a lot of chickens for me, and they laid lots of eggs today. I really appreciate them from my heart," says Han's thankful father. "They have given me a source of income. It can help me to support my family and pay student fees. I am so thankful from my heart. I am so thankful for so many kind friends at CBN."

Then came the gift of tuition for a bright young boy who wants to learn. The total tuition cost for one year is about $100.

"The kind people in CBN paid the tuition for my son," Han's father explains. "I really appreciate them and feel so happy."

Finally, the little boy who had no shoes received new shoes and a brand new coat and blankets to keep the family warm this winter.

"When I wear these new shoes given especially for me I feel I am wearing love!" says Han. "I will work hard and repay those uncles and aunties, all the people who gave to care for me."

When CBN told young Han that they would be helping other poor students at his school with clothes and tuition, his grin stretched from ear to ear. All of this, thanks to the mercy of God and the gifts of CBN partners. And all it took to bring a radical change to Han and his family was $250, or about the cost of a single 700 Club membership!

"I want to be a doctor when I grow up, so I can heal my mother," Han says. "I would like to work with CBN. Through them I can help more poor children."

If you are not a partner, please join with us. For 65 cents a day — $20 a month — you minister to people in need, just like Han, as well as provide food, clothing and medical care to those who need a tangible expression of God's love. Join today!