The Lord- He works justice for the oppressed.

I heard a really cool story this morning as I was listening to "Mike and Mike in the Morning" on ESPN radio. Tonight in Indiana, Coach Ron Hunter, head basketball coach of IUPUI (Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis) will be coaching his team barefoot. And thousands of faithful fans of the team will show up barefoot as well. All of it is an attempt to bring awareness to over 300 million children around the world who go their whole lives barefoot. To the children, it's a way of life. But to us, it's a tragedy. I applaud Coach Hunter and the organization he has linked arms with, (Samaritan's Feet). One of the details of the story that captured my attention and caused my imagination to run wild was the fact that the IUPUI's basketball team wanted to join their coach in July on his trip to Africa to deliver the now 45,000 shoes that they have collected. March madness . . . NCAA tournament . . . Sweet 16 . . . Final 4? All of a sudden, it doesn't really matter so much. What matters most to the team is that the unreached in Africa would be reached. Coach Hunter has written the NCAA board to request that they remove restrictions that would deny the team access to traveling abroad in order for them to take part in this life-changing trip. I pray that the NCAA does what is right.

It gets me to thinking and hoping. I am beginning to believe that the heartbeat of this younger generation is to see hope and redemption spread around the globe. Look no further than the front row of our church last Sunday, as our teenagers' dry eyes became tearful as the reality of millions never hearing about the good news of Jesus Christ was shared.

May this internet generation, the baby boomers, gen y, or whoever follows in our footsteps- may they give their lives for what really matters. May they see that the Super Bowl and March Madness are fun, but not reality. May they find the gospel, and decide to sell everything in order to gain the priceless treasure. And may they share hope around the world.

For the full story from the Houston Chronicle, click here. One last thing. I thought I should mention that Converse donated 15,000 shoes for the cause on Mike and Mike this morning, eclipsing Coach Hunter's goal of 40,000 shoes by 5k. Praise the Lord, O my soul . . . The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.