Why Family? God’s Design, Our Foundation
Recently, my husband and I embarked on a brief holiday. We were deeply moved by our visit to the breathtaking Sagrada Familia, aptly named the Holy Family in Spanish, a masterpiece that stands as a tribute to love and faith. The love of family is a sacred calling.
As we wandered through its sacred halls, marveling at the radiant stained glass and the architect’s vision, I felt overwhelmed by the profound purpose behind its creation: to honor the sacredness of family. Every detail of this extraordinary structure seemed to echo the story of family—its beauty, strength, and enduring significance. As I thought about family, it reminded me of the work we do at Hands & Feet Project.
Earlier this year, I introduced you to the Vercile family, whose daughters now return home from school singing. I met them in February during my visit to Haiti, and their story continues to inspire me. Iselande and Emmanuel, devoted parents of three girls, once lived in a fragile home that couldn’t keep out the wind or rain. Despite their efforts, Ketlove and Fabienne had never attended school. Without intervention, their family faced the real risk of separation. And that’s when it hit me.
The love of a family is among the deepest, most enduring gifts God has given us. From the opening pages of Scripture, it’s clear that family is no mere accident of history or culture; it is a divine institution, lovingly crafted for nurture, growth, and protection, especially for children. In a world often marked by instability and uncertainty, the family stands as a steadfast shelter and a living portrait of God’s unwavering care and sacrificial love.
Family is also more than a biological arrangement; it is a spiritual one. The love between parents and children mirrors the love of God the Father, who delights in His children and longs to see them flourish. Within a healthy family, children find emotional security, moral guidance, spiritual formation, and protection from harm. In the embrace of family, a child truly knows they are safe, known, protected, and loved, not only by their parents, but by God the Father.
But not every family lives up to this beautiful design, and not every family finds the support they need to stay together. When families are broken, children become vulnerable, left unprotected and open to exploitation. Some grow up never feeling truly safe or loved. This pain is real, and it grieves the heart of God.
This is why Hands & Feet Project is passionately committed to the beauty and strength of family, and this is where we step in. Psalm 68:6 says that He places the lonely in families. Hands & Feet Project strives to provide or uphold that family for the least of these, and for those living in extreme poverty. We fortify their lives as a community marked by love, belonging, and unwavering support.
Thanks to your support, Ketlove, Fabienne, and Sophonie won’t know how it feels to be separated from their parents. Through Preserving Families, the Vercile family received a new home with concrete walls and a solid roof to keep them dry during storms. Ketlove and Fabienne are in school, and last month, Sophonie put on her uniform and backpack for the first time and joined them. Their education may have been delayed, but hers won’t be. Every day, the girls come home from school knowing that their family is united.
As we prepare to celebrate God’s abundant goodness and the unwavering generosity of our donors at our December event, Limyè: His Light for All, we are inspired by stories of families restored and hope renewed. Family love is not simply a human bond; it is a divine masterpiece, a living testament to God’s wisdom, created as a refuge for children, who are always closest to His heart.
Will you stand with us this December to shine His light and strengthen God’s design for family?
Cherishing and protecting family is a profound act of honoring the God who lovingly created it. When we love our families well, we become partners in His beautiful plan, guarding, guiding, and blessing the children He holds so dear, children like Ketlove, Fabienne, and Sophonie.
Together, we embrace the sacred calling of family, transforming lives and building a legacy of love that will shine for generations to come.