Inspired by Micah 6:8, David Hass writes in his song:

 We are called to act with justice,

We are called to love tenderly,

We are called to serve one another…

I can’t stop thinking about my cousin Diane, who I grew up with in Rockford, IL.  She now lives in the Dominican Republic as a missionary with G.O. Ministries.  For over 20 years they’ve challenged people of all ages to see the world from God’s perspective and become personally involved.  They recruit, equip and coordinate volunteers for short-term mission adventures.

My cousin Dianne is the G.O. Kids! Program Coordinator.  The needs of the children across the island of Hispañiola are great.  The average annual income is only $5,600, and many can’t even make that, living in severe poverty and facing the realities of hunger, malnutrition and disease.  Most children start working very young to support their families.  And unfortunately, they lack the opportunities to reach their full God-given potential physically or spiritually.  But in 1982 G.O. Ministries opened a school in Hoya del Caimito, and today more than 400 students attend Pre-K thru 8^th grade, receiving an education and spiritual support.  To read more about what my cousin does, or to sponsor a child, visit www.go-ministries.org.

Dianne’s daughter Amy is my godchild, and still lives in the Midwest.  She’s been to visit her mother in the Dominican Republic; and though I haven’t yet, I plan on accompanying her the next time she goes, working with the children and teaching them songs.  Would you like to join us?