Dionne D. Peeples of the St. Louis American
A local attorney is working to collect 30,000 pairs of shoes to decrease deadly illnesses caused when impoverished children walk barefoot through contaminated water or soil in South Africa.
Along with shoes, she also hopes to deliver a message to uplift the spirits of many. “The message I’ll be giving is about family, love, service and encouragement,” said Leslie Tolliver-Rogers, age 32. “Material things will come. But that is not what it is all about.”
Rogers started “Walk in Your Victory,” an organization dedicated to encouraging people worldwide with a message of hope, and also dedicated to collecting new or gently worn pairs of shoes for South Africa’s neediest children. Her hope is to collect all of the shoes by November and distribute them in South Africa.
When a child walks barefoot in soil, sand or contaminated stagnant water in South Africa, parasites enter his or her body through their bare feet and cause infections that can lead to deformity, loss of limbs, or death. Infections from parasites can also cause damage to the liver, intestines, lungs and bladder, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
“It is amazing that something as simple as shoes can save someone’s life,” said Lola Jones, who plans to donate several pairs of shoes this month. “We are blessed in America. There are so many things we take for granted.”
Tolliver-Rogers, of Ferguson, said shoes in children’s, women’s and men’s sizes are needed because sometimes children wear adult-size shoes.
Since, January, Tolliver-Rogers has collected hundreds of shoes from companies and churches nationwide such as the law firm of Rabbitt, Pitzer and Snodgrass, P.C., Shalom Church (City of Peace) and the Atlanta Braves organization.
“I have always had a passion for missionary work,” said Tolliver-Rogers who practices family and personal injury law. “I know this is the beginning of something bigger.”
Walking in Your Victory began in January after she attended a presentation at a Christian women’s conference last year. She also recalled being removed from a MetroLink train about three years ago because she could not afford to buy a ticket. She walked from the Delmar station to work in Clayton.
“I remember having a conversation with God, asking him, ‘Why is this happening? I have a degree. I have two degrees …’ He said, ‘Keep walking.’”
And she continued to walk.
As she moved forward physically, she moved forward spiritually, too. She now owns her own law firm in Clayton. “God has the ability to keep you and restore you,” she said. “And when you look back at the storm, it’s weird, but you end up with joy.”
About three years after she walked to work that day, a County official asked her to present the Rev. Freddy James Clark, pastor of Shalom Church, with a proclamation in the official’s absence.
When she stood to present the proclamation to Clark, who also is her pastor, she told the story of how she had overcome her struggles. After her presentation, a woman with five children thanked her for her encouraging words.
Now Tolliver-Rogers is hopeful her message of hope and perseverance will touch others around the globe. “It is a testament of what God will do if you keep on walking.” she said.
If you would like to donate shoes or have questions, please call at 314-803-2618.