Dear members, donors and other supporters!
I want to wish you a really merry Christmas, where we are again reminded of what basically holds us together as human beings: Love.
Without it, life loses its meaning. Without it, we do not reach beyond ourselves to meet each other. Without it, we will not be able to pull ourselves together to do something about the need in the world.
The fruit of love is compassion. That word inspires Mission East’s relief efforts. That value we are again reminded of in the message of Christmas.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son,” writes the Apostle John in the Bible. *)
Love is at the center. But not passively waiting.
Love acts. But not unwillinglyor only for the few.
Love gives. But not out of ambiguity, nor out of sour duty. No, the one who loves cannot help but give.
It’s compassion. As the meaning of the word in Danish: A care from the bottom of our heart to other people. To partners, children, family, friends, and perhaps also to people we have never met, but whom are especially on our heart.
That ideal we will strive for. That is why we have put it as the headline of our strategy towards 2030: “Together in Compassion.” That is our benchmark.
I hope you will accompany us on our journey to bring this to life through our work in emergency relief, early reconstruction and sustainable development. Let our hearts work together to reach even more people in need in 10 of the world’s crisis and conflict countries, with whom our more than 200 local employees and 40 partner organizations stand.
The message of Christmas inspires us. Not only the nativity stories about the child in the manger, the shepherds in the field and the wise men from the East. But also the core message. That love engages in compassion.
Loving Christmas greetings,
Betina Gollander-Jensen
Managing Director
*) The Gospel of John, chapter 3, verse 16
