From my heart...Love in Action
If you were to ask me to name the one thing I value most in my life—the one thing I know I cannot live without—I would tell you it is the presence of God. It is my love for Him that led me to Haiti, and it is His presence that keeps me here. As I read His Word and get a glimpse of His heart, I have learned that what Christ valued most was people—all people. He treated everyone that crossed His path with dignity and respect; but, most importantly, He loved them. We can show our love for Him by how we treat His people. As Christ demonstrated, love is not a feeling—it is something you do. He then made it simple for us to understand when He said that pure and undefiled religion is to take care of the widow and the orphan.

Never Alone
When I first arrived in Haiti, I was not sure where God was leading me. I would walk the streets with sadness and weep before God as I saw hungry homeless children just trying to survive. But His purpose for me was still not clear. What difference could I possibly make? Besides, I had no prior missions experience. I was single. I did not know the language. And I had very little income. But if God was for me, who could be against me?

I spent the days volunteering at different schools and churches in the area, and at night I would sit quietly before the Lord. There was no electricity in the village, so I would read my Bible by candlelight. There were times I felt so desperately alone; yet God's presence was always real. He had given me a promise: "Go, and I will be with you."

Following God
It is very easy to not step out and do the things in our heart because of fear. We are all afraid of failure. But to not step out can mean living with years of regret. What would have happened if I had not stepped out in faith and trusted God? Scripture is clear that obedience is better than sacrifice. We must demonstrate obedience in loving Him, in following Him, and in surrendering our lives and love others 'til it hurts. I love what Mother Teresa said, "When you love 'til it hurts, there will be no hurt left, just love..." We are all in this journey of life together, and today we are reminded that this world is not our final destination. It is a true privilege to follow Him through the giving of ourselves in the service of others. It is what Jesus did; it is what He expects of us.

I thank God for those who join in His work. Children are given hope for a brighter future, and we are blessed with a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness to complete what He has laid on our hearts.

Grateful for today—building for the future,

Watch interview with Danita. | Read Danita's Bio

Read Christmas Letter 2008 | 10-year Anniversary