Deciding to make a difference in the world can be a daunting task and quite overwhelming to say the least! Where does one start, or what can he actually do that will impact people in a positive way? Many fear failure or that their contribution to society won’t even make a ripple, much less a wave.

My dad once told me a story about a man throwing starfish back into the sea. The story goes like this…

“While walking along a beach, an elderly gentleman saw someone in the distance leaning down, picking something up and throwing it into the ocean.

As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man, picking up starfish one by one and tossing each one gently back into the water.

He came closer still and called out, “Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?”

The young man paused, looked up, and replied “Throwing starfish into the ocean.”

The old man smiled, and said, “I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?”

To this, the young man replied, “The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them in, they’ll die.”

Upon hearing this, the elderly observer commented, “But, young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can’t possibly make a difference!”

The young man listened politely. Then he bent down, picked up another starfish, threw it back into the ocean past the breaking waves and said, “It made a difference for that one.” – author unknown

Life is a lot like this story of the young man tossing starfish back into the ocean one at a time. God is not asking us to save the whole world, but He is asking us to do something that will impact someone close to us. You see, the young man was not able to affect every starfish, but the ones he came into contact with, he grabbed and threw back in the ocean, saving them from death and destruction.

Another example of this is the story of the Good Samaritan in the Bible (Luke 10:25-37). This parable shows us that we can make a difference in people’s lives that come across our path. It really is simple, and it is a choice. Two religious people did nothing for the wounded man, while the Good Samaritan saw him along the roadside and went out of his way to help him and see that he recovered. In a sense, he threw a starfish back into the sea. He couldn’t help everyone, but he did make a difference for the man that entered his world.

Human trafficking is a huge issue, affecting virtually every country in the world. In fact, there are 1.2 million children a year sold into slavery for the first time – that’s one child every 26 seconds! So where does one start to make a difference? How can any one person change this massive injustice against humanity? Almost 7 months ago, I started working for an organization called Destiny Rescue. They are a Christian non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing children that have been sold into sexual slavery, providing aftercare for those that have been liberated and preventing many others from entering this horrendous industry. This past year, Destiny Rescue rescued 215 children from sexual slavery or exploitive situations and already in 2013, they’ve rescue 61 children throughout various countries around the globe. The goal for 2013 is to rescue 400 children.

Just this past week, 7 children gave their lives to Christ and 18 others were baptized, professing to the world that they are followers of Jesus Christ!

Destiny Rescue isn’t changing the whole world, but they are making a significant difference in these kids’ lives. And I’m the same way! I don’t have a bunch of qualifications with tons of credentials behind my name. I have simply been given the ability to write. One day, an opportunity presented itself and I walked through the open door. Now I am a voice for precious kids that can’t speak up for themselves. I am using my gifts to help those that have come and will come across my path – I am throwing starfish back into the sea, one at a time.

And many of you that support what I am doing financially are doing the same. Together, we are impacting kids all over the world, one child at a time! We might not be able to change the whole world, but we are definitely changing the world for kids that enter Destiny Rescue’s care! I see from firsthand experience the joy on these children’s faces and the hope that has been instilled into their hearts! Yes, together, we are truly making a significant difference.

Thank you for your financial giving, your prayers and support!