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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

