The following is a contributed article from Mercy Faturoti, clinical director for our D.C. Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Services.

“What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say “Good-bye and have a good day. Stay warm and eat well,” but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough, unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.” (VOA Spiritual quote: James 2:14-17)

Through faith, Prophet Elijah prayed to God for rain to cease from the land and there was no rain for three years and six months. Through compassion, Prophet Elijah prayed for rain and rain came and the land was fruitful.

Through faith, we believe that what we pray for will yield good results. “Faith is the substance of things we hope for and the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrew 11:1).

Through compassion, we provide meals for strangers and in turn unknowingly feed angels.

Through faith, we intercede for others and believe that whatever we pray for will be fulfilled in accordance to our prayers.

Through compassion, we see the image of Christ in others and our hearts are open for understanding of their circumstances no matter how difficult the person might come across to us.

Through faith, we touch the lives of others and do all that is possible to yield good results in their circumstances and bring out  Christ in their situation.

Through compassion, we seek out others that the world labels as outcasts and bring them closer to God as brothers and sisters in faith.

Through faith, we go into places that are uncomfortable, sit with people whom others are afraid to go near, seek out others that live in unsafe environments and provide comfort with the belief that all is well because the goodness of the Lord leads us “not into temptation, but delivers us from the evil one”.

Through compassion, we see not through the eyes of men but through the eyes of the holy spirit that lead us daily to go where we are needed and to do all that we can to assist, support, provide comfort, safety, and love to others in our community so that the Lord will continue to be glorifyed and His work will continue to bring others to His presence.

Through faith, we have compassionate hearts that make us who we are, Volunteers of America. We pray for a World that provides comfort, care, and love to others and above all, a world that recognizes the Christ in each of His people and their ability to make a difference one step of a time like a trickle of falling rain until His kingdom comes.

—Mercy Faturoti, clinical director for D.C. Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Services.

Help us continue to serve thousands in Maryland, Washington D.C., and Virginia. Donate.