Have you ever heard the starfish story? There are a few different versions, but the basic story is the same:
A young child was walking with her grandfather along the seashore. There were hundreds of starfish washed up on store, each one slowly dying. The little girl began throwing them back into the ocean, one by one. Her grandfather asked “Darling, why are you wasting your time with these starfish? You can’t save them all and despite your efforts, many of them will die.” The young child paused for a moment, then grabbed another starfish and held it up. “I know I can’t save them all,” she said. “But I can save this one.” And she threw it back in the ocean. Upon hearing that, her grandfather paused, grabbed a starfish, and threw it in the ocean.
Our theme for this year is “For The One” and it’s based off the starfish story. Although there are tens of thousands of children in Haiti who need help, and there is no way for us to save them all, we will continue to fight for, provide for, pray for and care for as many as possible. Even if it is just one. One child is worth it.
The theme also has another meaning. Ultimately, everything we do is for THE One, the One who gave us this vision, the One who miraculously provides, the One who loves Haiti and its people more than we do.
There is a lot going on to make us feel sad and overwhelmed, not just in Haiti but around the world. We hope that you will commit to join us as we take small steps towards positive change, regardless of how overwhelming the problems feel. May we all draw strength from the God who is hope as we strive to fulfill this commitment:
I will change myself. I will change my community. I will change my world.
