Tara, a friend of the Haiti Orphan Project, lives in Tennessee. She has an incredible heart for orphan care in Haiti. So much so that she organized a 5k walk/run in 2011 to raise money to help build an orphan home for the children. Her story is amazing. Not so much about Tara, though I’m sure her family and friends do think she is amazing. But her story is about our amazing God! Here is her story about what God did, beginning with God giving her a vision to put some Feet to His leading so He could accomplish a Feat for the Orphans.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a heart for children, especially those in need and who are hurting. I’m blessed to have the most loving and supportive family and to think of children who do not know the love of a parent just truly rips me to the core. In recent years, I’ve become more aware of the orphan crisis and after the earthquake in Haiti, my first thought was of those children who had lost their parents. It broke my heart and at that moment, I felt God burdening my heart for Haiti. While studying the book of Nehemiah and how he was burdened to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, God spoke to me that I was supposed to build orphanages in Haiti. I was excited at the thought, scared of the unknown and how to actually accomplish it, but in total trust in the Lord with full expectancy that he would show me how. Then, in a meeting that Satan tried so hard to keep me from, I became aware of The Global Orphan Project and I instantly knew that THIS was how I would begin the plans that God had so vividly revealed to me. So, long story short, I once again set out in the unknown and began planning a 5K race to raise funds to build a children’s home in Haiti. Many people discouraged me saying that many first time races barely break even, but I knew that God would fund what He favors. As I leaned on God’s guidance, He proved that “…with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26). Through our race, FEET for the FEAT of ORPHANS, we raised enough money to sponsor a children’s home! The Global Orphan Project then put me in contact with The Haiti Orphan Project and after talking to Les and praying about The Philadelphia Village or what is now, Village de Vie, I knew this was the place where the funds would go. I’m excited about the plans and vision of HOPE and Village de Vie and am so humbled that I can play a part in changing these children’s lives for the better. The scripture behind the name for our race, FEET for the FEAT of ORPHANS was Romans 10:15 “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.” What I love about HOPE and GO (and what is so important to me) is that they are not only meeting the earthly needs of these orphans, but also the spiritual needs. How amazingly wonderful it is to share the love of Christ and truly transform these children’s lives now and into eternity!
Wow! And what did God do? Through Tara, her family and friends they raised enough to build an orphan home for 12 orphaned and abandoned children, almost $7,000! I know she is looking forward to getting to Haiti and see the product of The Feet for the Feat of Orphans.
