Today is the Day We're Going to Make a Difference - JUNTOS


For 30+ years I worked at Ford Motor Company.  If you asked me what things I'm most proud of, I might be able to list a few "personal accomplishments", but in truth - very little of what I did made a real difference in the lives of anyone.

Last week, however, I returned from spending seven weeks in Nicaragua working with an organization called Amigos for Christ.  They got started because two rather young people went on a mission trip and noticed that much of the country lives without access to clean, running water, and they said - "we've got to do something about this!"

So, now the organization comes alongside communities using volunteers and local tools like pick axes and shovels to work shoulder-to-shoulder installing water systems which the community then owns, operates and maintains.

It's a model that works...but it's not where the Amigos organization stops.  Once the water is there, they also work to improve sanitation and health (installing sanitary bathrooms and clean air kitchens), education, and economic development.

One week ago today I celebrated my 60th birthday.  And I decided that for my birthday, I'd like to try to work with my friends (and maybe their friends) to raise $10,000 - enough to fund a well that will provide clean running water for a community and their residents for generations to come.

As a fundraiser - I am committed to walk 500 miles (1/20th of 10,000) between now and the end of the year.  Of course any donation you make would be welcome and I recognize that the things that touch my heart are not necessarily the ones that touch yours.  But I am reminded of the story of the loaves and fishes - where just 5 fish and two loaves of bread were able to feed 5,000 - and I think with your help - and that of some people YOU know, we can use this day to truly make a difference in the lives of many.  

If you are interested in participating - please click this link My birthday fundraiser

"Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves.  Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people.  They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over." - Matthew 14:18-20

"Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." - Philippians 2:4

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