The Power of a Single ``YES``
When Sharon Fletcher said “yes” to joining the 1,000 Samaritans initiative, she had no idea just how closely her journey mirrored that of Samaritan’s Feet Founder Manny Ohonme. Sharon grew up in Ghana, raised by a single mother who didn’t receive her first pair of new shoes until she was 13.
Later, Sharon immigrated to the U.S. with almost nothing and relied on her faith and the kindness of strangers who said yes to helping her when she needed it most. Those early experiences shaped her heart for giving long before she ever heard the name Samaritan’s Feet.
As Sharon built a life in the U.S., she faced many challenges, yet each obstacle only strengthened her compassion for those walking difficult roads. Over time, she developed a deep passion for serving communities around the world. She became a global missionary, founded her own nonprofit, and traveled to places like the Philippines, Argentina, and Southeast Asia to reach people in “forgotten places.” On one of those trips, a volunteer mentioned that his uncle owned a small shoe factory that was on the verge of closing because he had not been able to secure any large sales. Sharon went to see the factory herself, and after she said yes to helping, her order for 500 pairs of shoes became the breakthrough the owner needed, blessing both the business and the community it served.
She didn’t plan for it. She didn’t strategize it. She just said “yes”. And that yes created a ripple of hope.
So, when she heard about Manny’s story, a young boy in Nigeria whose life changed when someone gave him a pair of shoes and believed in his future, she felt an instant connection. Like her, Manny was lifted up by a single act of compassion that sparked a lifetime of service.
A friend encouraged Sharon to meet Manny, and without hesitation, she bought a plane ticket and traveled across the country to attend the Samaritan’s Feet Barefoot Gala.
Before she even arrived, she had already signed up to be one of the 1,000 Samaritans. After learning the $2,500 fundraising goal, she said yes again, even raising her commitment to $10,000 and inspiring others to join alongside her.
For Sharon, giving is simple. She often says her entire life changed because someone said yes to helping her, and she has devoted her journey to doing the same for others. “Just imagine the impact of one pair of shoes,” she said. “One yes. One moment of obedience. It can change a life.”
Her story reminds us that Samaritan’s Feet began with a single yes, many years ago and continues to grow because people like Sharon choose to say yes today. As she put it, you do not need the perfect plan or special connections. You only need a willing heart and the courage to take the first step.
If Sharon’s story inspires you, we invite you to say yes as well. Join the 1,000 Samaritans initiative and help bring hope, dignity, and opportunity to individuals around the world.
Become one of the 1,000 Samaritans at:
