No Small Act
Posted on 21. Jan, 2010 by Lutheran World Relief in Haiti
Our supporters continue to bless us with prayers and stories about how they are putting their faith into action on behalf of the people of Haiti.
I share the following story as a reminder that there are no “small” acts of compassion. And no small “actors.”
This is Mario Carmona. He’s nine years old and from Minnesota. Being a child (and thus, unemployed, as children tend to be) Mario didn’t have much himself to give to the people of Haiti. But he did have a voice and he decided to use it.
Carrying a simple plastic ice cream bucket, Mario began to go door-to-door, asking his neighbors to give what they could to help the people of Haiti. When he had visited all his neighbors, he decided to talk to people at his church.Once he’d talked to his church, he talked to his school principal about raising money for the people of Haiti. Mario’s bucket filled quickly.
Mario’s story inspires me, but not only because of his apparent compassion and generosity. Instead of feeling disempowered or disconnected, as we can often come to feel in times of crisis, this young man decided to take action, to find his own unique way to help and in doing so he empowered others to join him.
We thank Mario and everyone who has given a gift to Lutheran World Relief in support of the people of Haiti. Please know that your gifts, big and small, are helping to sustain lives and inspire hope through Haiti’s darkest days.
Lutheran World Relief is a nonprofit organization that works with Lutherans and partners around the world to end poverty, injustice, and human suffering.
