The In His Shoes organization was founded (2003) on the simple premise that those who have suffered evil have a unique responsibility to take action against injustice to others. It’s as simple as the Christian principle of repaying evil with good.
On Apri
l 24, 2015, In His Shoes organized and thereby commemorated the 100th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide with 100 souls walking in the shoes of others who are persecuted and oppressed. These souls reflected the Ascension in their own lives and the in the lives of the community by reaching out to the crucified people of this world. This is a call which continues past the 100th anniversary – it’s an ongoing call to people throughout the world to take a spiritually meaningful approach to the commemoration by giving of themselves.
-Fr. Vazken Movsesian
Below are projects that were selected to reflect the goals and objectives of In His Shoes. They were organized and executed on April 24, 2015. In addition, you also have the opportunity to participate by taking the #100Years #100Souls Pledge!
Darfur
A Genocide is taking place right now. Hundreds of thousands have been killed and according to UN estimates 2.7 million Darfuris remain in internally displaced persons camps. Like the Armenian Genocide, Darfur is all but forgotten and ignored by the world.
By pledging to walk in this “shoe” you will work to bring awareness to the Darfur genocide and populations. We are working with volunteers at iAct (www.iActivism.org) to bring awareness and assistance to the refugees. Getting the word out can be as simple as talking/blogging about it. (See “Greetings of Hope” on the main page of the In His Shoes website to get some ideas). It can be financial by donating dollars for much needed help and support through the Little Ripples program.
30 hour fast for Syria
Pledge to fast – to go without food – for 30 hours from 6:00AM April 25 to 12:00Noon April 26 and collect donations for your hunger. $1 for each hour? $20/hour? $100/hour. A group will be fasting for the same period (PDT) in Glendale, California and raise funds through sponsorship for children of deprivation in Syria. World Vision has agreed to facilitate the delivery of funds and supplies.
Landmines in Artsakh
Over 20 years after the war in Artsakh (Nagorna Karabakh) landmines continue to explode, maiming and killing people, especially children who mistake the mines for common toys. Your pledge here is a financial contribution. We are working with the Halo Trust and Landmine Free Artsakh (www.landminefreeartsakh.com) to bring awareness to this reality and money will be contributed through the Trust. We have targeted the village of Jardar. $15,000 is needed to clear the landmines in that particular village.
The Plight of Children
A pledge to walk in the shoes of children takes us to Mer Hooys, the House of Hope in Armenia (http://mer-hooys.org/). Here, young girls and women from disadvantaged lifestyles are provided an opportunity to achieve a productive and secure future instead of falling into lives of prostitution, human trafficking and homelessness. Your contribution will be donated to Mer Hooys. Visit the site http://mer-hooys.org/ to learn more and become creative in the way you help.
The Plight of Abused Women
Women suffer disproportionately from poor access to health services, discrimination, the effects of war and by being victims of harmful traditions. One of the offshoots of the In His Shoes organization was the Datev Outreach standing up for domestic violence. There are many ways to walk in the shoes of women, by being a voice and contributor to these projects.
Australia Outreach
Following the Armenian Genocide, Australian Churches came to the aid of displaced Armenians in need by contributing to the global humanitarian relief effort.
100 years on, the Armenian Apostolic Church of Holy Resurrection in Sydney will walk in the shoes of those in need by donating and serving lunch on Friday 24 April, 2015 to disadvantaged Australians who patron the Exodus Foundation’s Loaves and Fishes free restaurant.
The community’s participation is invited to this special outreach program in thanksgiving to Australia. Meal sponsorship is $10. Contact: The Armenian Apostolic Church of Holy Resurrection 10 Macquarle St., Chatswood Tel: 9419-8056 or email: church@armenian.com.au
Restoring Family Links
The chaos and confusion of war, disaster and migration can separate families when they need each other most. When this happens, the Red Cross joins the search across international borders, offering a unique service that reconnects families. Understanding that the pain of separation is enormous when you do not know if your loved ones are alive or suffering, the American Red Cross can help, from delivering a simple message like “I am alive” to facilitating the incredible reunions of Holocaust survivors. The American Red CrossRestoring Family Links services have brought comfort to thousands of families.
American Red Cross caseworkers around the U.S. help families locate missing relatives by working with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and Red Cross and Red Crescent organizations in nearly every country around the world. Annually the American Red Cross assists thousands of families trying to reconnect with their loved ones in the U.S. and around the world.
To begin a search, or for any questions on the Restoring Family Links program please call (626) 407-4536 or email IntlTracing.LosAngeles.CA@redcross.org.
Art Project: the 100 Year Journey
The 100 Year Journey is an outward manifestation of the In His Shoes platform and philosophy of love conquering evil. If you’re against genocide you’re for peace. This multimedia art installation which opens in Burbank, California April 15-24 is in need of funding. Donors will receive artwork from the artist Gregory Beylerian. Learn about the 100 Year journey at www.100YearJourney.org
Area Relief projects
No matter where you are, when you do it, an act of kindness and goodness is necessary in this world. Pledge to help out in a soup-kitchen, visit with hospital patients, embrace someone who has gone through loss. Groups will organize outreach programs to the indigent and immigrant populations to provide food, clothing and spiritual comfort. We have commitments from churches and communities throughout the world. Add your footprint to the trek. Pledge to help in your own local community.
Prayer Group
The 100 Souls project needs volunteers, kind souls, money and most importantly prayer. Accenting the importance of prayer, a group will be sequestered at the St. Peter Armenian Church in Glendale in 24 hour prayer vigil, praying for all the projects of the day. Pledge to be united with us in prayer. The 24 hour period is all day April 24 – 12:00 midnight to 11:59PM in your time zone. The group in Glendale are on Pacific Daylight Time.