“We should give because He gave.”
Those were the words ringing in Lillie Sirmans’ heart as she thought about how she could demonstrate the true meaning of Christmas this holiday season. At 15, Lillie traveled to Haiti last summer on a mission trip with Feed the Hunger. Stepping foot into the very first orphan home and spending several hours dancing and making crafts with the children had a big impact on her.
She saw how little the children had compared to what she had. Yet they were normal children with whom she connected deeply in a short amount of time. So this past Christmas, Lillie decided to make the holiday less about receiving gifts and more about giving gifts. Lillie asked me at the beginning of November what type of gift would be most beneficial for the children of Haiti.
“God opened my eyes this year to see how lucky I am and how I should share that with others at Christmas,” Lillie explained as she thought about how she could best share more. She asked those who usually give her presents to instead consider giving towards the purchase of school shoes for the Haitian children in FtH programs. “I hope that the shoes will help kids be able to go to school and learn more about God,” she added. Lillie saw firsthand how instrumental FtH feeding programs are in Haiti, filling children with hope in a God who loves them.
13 children will now have shoes this school year!
After watching Lillie make a sacrifice to help others in need, her little sister, Caroline, decided to give some of her own money to bless the children with shoes. In total, Lillie and Caroline raised enough money to provide 13 pairs of school shoes to children in Haiti who would otherwise likely go to school barefoot.
Isn’t it great that God is burdening young people’s hearts to reject our culture’s consumerism and instead give to meet real needs in others? Lillie’s kindness is a great demonstration of God’s love. Lillie – thanks for following God to Haiti and what He led you to do after the trip! You have been a blessing to many!
Scott Hahn | Packathon Director
So proud of my precious niece Lillie! She has such a servant’s heart!