Editor’s note: This article was a finalist for the America Inspired Contest, which celebrated extraordinary people making a difference across the United States. We invite you to read about these amazing people.

Haiti made an indelible impression on Anna Lipscomb when she made her first trip there in 2008. Now she is making an indelible impression on everyone who hears her story – the story of a gifted young music artist willing to become the change that was needed to save the lives of other children halfway around the world.

Making a song

Anna was only 11 years old when she first visited Haiti, but the reality of children living in desperate poverty struck so hard at her core that she could not rest until she became part of the solution.

One evening at bedtime Anna became overwhelmed with emotions. She was weary and tearful, yet steadfast in her determination to change the ugly living conditions for Haiti's abandoned children. Sleep fled as she suddenly became aware of a melody playing in her thoughts. Quickly she jotted down the notes to the melody on some scraps of paper. Over the course of the next four months, God revealed the words and the music to Anna's song Heart for Haiti.

Making a CD

Armed with a violin and six years of training, Anna set out to make a CD to raise funds to build orphanages through The Global Orphan Project. She spent 6 months practicing her songs in addition to her regular 45-minute practice time on the violin.

Just before she turned 13 (June 2009) Anna started working at the recording studio for two to three hour sessions while her friends were going to the movies, pool, and parties. After her CD Anna From the Heart was released in November 2009, she sacrificed more of her time for performances, rehearsals, and writing thank-you notes to people who made donations to her ministry. The same healing hands that God had used to write Heart for Haiti were now being used to reach out with its message.

Making an impact

Anna would not allow her shy disposition to hinder her mission, so with great courage she embarked on a journey of continual engagements to share her story and her song. The Kansas City community received the young crusader with open arms and standing ovations as she performed for audiences as large as 2,000 people. Donations ranged from $20 to $5,000!

"Since Anna knows God inspired her to write the song, it seems to have a powerful impact on those who hear it. When she shows the music video as part of her talks, people often get emotional," said Kari Lipscomb, Anna's mother (see music video in left column)

Mix 93.3 played a portion of the song the day the historic earthquake hit Haiti (January 2010). This tragedy catapulted Heart for Haiti and Anna into the limelight. But Anna was not daunted by the challenge. As an outstanding youth she had cultivated a selfless character since she was five years old by giving away birthday gifts, ringing the bell for the Salvation Army, and expressing concern for the needs of others.

"By following her heart, Anna helped provide dozens of Haitian orphans with a home. Children, who were fending for themselves in the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, no longer worry about their next meal. They live with the care of a house momma. They go to school. They have a future. Anna helped replace their hunger with hope," said Trace Thurlby, President of the Global Orphan Project

To date, Anna's ministry has raised over $65,000. She is sponsoring the 40 teenage girls who live in the orphanages her ministry funded. She hopes Heart for Haiti will continue to increase public awareness of the plight of orphans, generate funds to meet their critical needs, and inspire prayers.

• Click here to watch KMCTV's broadcast with Lara Moritz: Girl Raises Money For Haiti Orphanages
• Click here to read SUSIE Magazine's featured article about Anna Lipscomb.
• Click here to learn more about Anna's ministry at  her official website.
• Click here to donate to Anna's project and receive a free CD.

Cover photograph by Sharaya Mauck with Sharayamauck Photography.

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