February has just one holiday since Lincoln's and Washington's birthdays were combined.  And that special day devoted to love - Valentine's Day.  So men, don't forget to do something romantic for your sweetie, because she deserves it... and she probably already has something special for you.

But love is so much more than one special "Hallmark Day."  According to Jesus, it is the most important commandment.  Love God with all you've got, and love your neighbor as yourself...the #1 and #2 priorities in our lives!  And how do we live that out?

Last month the nation of Haiti was rocked by an earthquake, and St. Luke responded in love.  We knew that everyone would want to do something, but we weren't sure of the most effective way to accomplish that.  Our desire was to send help "in the name of Christ" and we wanted it there as quickly as possible.  Rhonda Reynolds told me of our previous connection with the Lashbrook Family Ministry that operates an orphanage and children's home in northern Haiti, and Joan Furey contacted their stateside coordinator for information.

Your generous gift of nearly $2,000 was collected and God provided the perfect means to help the people there.  The Lashbrook buildings were still standing but had been declared unsafe for the children to stay.  Supplies would be needed right away to rebuild and strengthen the structures.  Harvey Teeple's son and his wife were leaving Monday for the Lashbrook's stateside office right here in Thorntown, IN to help them crate the materials being collected for the project.  But funds would be needed to ship them immediately.  Enter St. Luke.

Toby Neadstine deposited your gifts, Maria Bailey wrote the check, Dave and Tammy Teeple gave it to Dee and Becky, the Lashbrook office received our gift, the necessary arrangements were made, and the first shipment of supplies has already been received.

We did it in the name of Christ, and we did it because of our love for Him.  That's a pretty good Valentine!  That's what love can do.  God bless everyone of you who helped in any way.

Learn more about St. Luke Church online: www.stlukechurchonline.org

Editor's note:  To check on updates of how the Lashbrook Family Ministry is coping day-to-day following the earthquake that rocked Haiti, read the updates on their Facebook Group Page.