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Shoes Project to Support Technology, Arts Center
CHICAGO, IL (June 11, 2001) - Gospel Way Covenant Church is using lots of shoes for more than walking these days - 6,000 pairs to be exact.
Marva Watts, an associate professor of biology at Malcolm X College in Chicago, obtained the shoes from an area liquidator in April. It is hoped that sales of the shoes will help defray the cost of an extensive remodeling project at the church.
Watts' husband, Bill, who is pastor of the church, originally wanted to help the church by buying
computer equipment for resale at a quality price. The source of the computers told Marva Watts that he had a large quantity of shoes he was also attempting to liquidate. Watts said she was interested in the shoes - all of them - now stacked all over the church basement.
Sooner or later, these shoes will be "walking out of the building" under someone's fortunate feet as part of the congregation's continuing strong ministry to its community. More than 100 pairs of shoes already have been sold. Some of the shoes are earmarked for local shelters and senior
citizens centers.
"It is an answer to prayer," Watts said of the shoes and how the sales revenue will aid remodeling. "We know where there's a will, there's a way, and we're trying to use these shoes as a way to further the blessing. One lady bought 27 pairs of shoes - she was buying them for everybody in her family."
Gospel Way Covenant Church purchased a building from a local Catholic church, with financial assistance from National Covenant Properties and Covenant Frontier Friends. Gospel Way averages about 70 in Sunday worship. Besides pastoring the church, Bill Watts serves as the Prison Ministries Fellowship Northern Illinois director, having worked in prison ministry for 30 years.
Remodeling at the church facility, which is located on Chicago's southeast side, includes a baptismal pool, kitchen restroom upgrades and window replacement. Proceeds from the sale of shoes will be used to create a technology and arts center.
For more information on the church, its shoes project or the remodeling program, contact Marva Watts by telephone at 773-374-7293. The church currently is selling shoes between 10 a.m.
and 4 p.m. on Saturdays at the building located at 8152 S. Saginaw (2600 blocks east) in Chicago. The church is located about five miles east of the Dan Ryan Expressway.
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