Nate and Angie van Steenvoort were devastated when their two-week-old daughter, Lexi, died from heart complications in 2004.

Although their own hearts were breaking, they were determined that something good should come of the tragedy. They decided the best way to honor Lexi was to help other hurting families and children.

“I decided I could either hide in my grief, or I could use my experience to bring healing to others,” Angie said. “We want Lexi’s life to continue to touch other people.”

The Ohio couple got involved in Operation Christmas Child and enjoyed packing shoe box gifts every holiday season, but it was the discovery of the Children’s Heart Project that really piqued their interest.

The Children's Heart Project is the Samaritan's Purse ministry that brings children with life-threatening heart defects to North America for surgery. We work with top-quality hospitals to provide operations for boys and girls who live in countries where the required medical expertise and equipment are not available.

Samaritan's Purse arranges airfare for the children, a parent, and a translator. The group is hosted by a Christian family.

Angie remembered the care packages friends gave her and Nate during their long days and nights at the hospital with Lexi. She contacted our staff to see if she could prepare something similar for Children’s Heart Project patients and their host families in the United States.

That was three years ago, and since then the van Steenvoorts have packed about 30 care boxes. The cartons include cereal bars, microwaveable soups, cookies, small toys, a Bible, and a note that says, “We’re praying for you. You are precious to God.”

Angie and Nate are delighted to now have some little hands helping them pack the boxes. On Mother’s Day 2005, God blessed them with the birth of another daughter, Jada Olivia. They also became the proud parents of a son, Beckett, in 2007.

“Because of Lexi, God taught me how to be a better mother to Jada and Beckett,” Angie said. “We don’t understand why tragedies happen, but we know He loves us. I want to share His love and comfort with others.”

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Samaritan's Purse , United States , Children's Heart Project , For the Love of Lexi