In August 2004, a young New Yorker was living it large in the Big Apple, as a promoter of top nightclubs and fashion events. But in the midst of his whirlwind of a life, he discovered a feeling of emptiness, a desperate yearning for something more. So Scott Harrison, who had given up on God to enjoy what the world had to offer, decided to make a drastic change, to see what the opposite of his life would look like. He applied for a position aboard the Mercy Ships, a humanitarian organization that operates hospital ships to some of the world's poorest countries. He was (reluctantly) accepted, and set sail for West Africa in the position of the ship's photojournalist.
The transition from his spacious Manhattan loft apartment to the ship's modest quarters was shocking. But when Harrison reached his destination, he found that even the ship was palatial compared with the conditions the people whose lives he was to photograph lived in.
Harrison began documenting what he saw--people who lived in abject material poverty but were infinitely wealthier than he had ever been in faith, heart and spirit. He came across several people with all kinds of unimaginable tumors--benign ones, but of such horrifying sizes and shapes that it was incredible that their fragile human bodies could even support the impossible-looking growths. And even more surprising, these people possessed a quiet peace and simple joy that he had never encountered amidst the abundance and opulence of New York.
Most of the tumors were caused by the dirty, bacteria-infested water that people in these areas had no choice but to drink. Harrison has posted photos and descriptions of his experiences during his travels on Mercy Global (the images on this web site are graphic and often disturbing). He has also created Charity:Water to raise money to fund wells that will provide clean, safe drinking water to these people.
Unfortunately, too many Christians live in complacency, believing that saying "Lord, Lord" is enough to get us into God's kingdom. Or we dismiss the sufferings of people in these countries as being too distant, blame them for their own poverty, or believe we have little time or money to spare for them. Looking at these pictures shows us not just how blessed we are, but also how much is expected of us in caring for those less fortunate than us, physically, spiritually and emotionally.
My church fellowship group has decided to fund one well, which costs about $4,000, and provides water to about 250 people. If you don't have a charity or a cause you're passionate about, I strongly encourage you to look into Charity: Water, and think about supporting this venture. Get a group of friends, your extended family, your work colleagues or your church or fellowship group together to sponsor a well, or go it on your own. Just click on Buy Water for more information on how you can help. Or you can join in my group's effort to raise the money for our well--just email me. Or, if you are not in a position to make a monetary contribution, help spread the word about this effort.
We take so much for granted--including the safe drinking water from our taps that we chug without a second thought. Make a difference in the lives of people who can't afford to take even this most basic of necessities for granted.
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8 comments:
You know I did my 12 hour charity walk, due to my ill fitting painful boots and the terrain and conditions that we walked in I told people that it was the hardest thing I had done in my life, which it was. I now hang my head in shame for saying these words after I have just witnessed the suffering that these poor people have endured.
Having viewed the website on your link I was almost brought to tears and I will try to do my bit to help in any way that I can.
Thank you so much for bringing this to my attention.
In the newspapers today there is a two page spread about a designer hand bag for sale at a cost of 23,500 UK pounds (About $45,000?) How many operations or wells would this fund? The world is mad!
Hi Inihtar,
First of all thanks for liking my blog enough to leave a comment. I'm especially moved when people I've never met contact me. I hope that you too will be able to travel as much as you wish - it's the best school and manages to dispel all those prejudices that our media manages to instill in us (so, you're a jounralist eh?). From the info on your blogs I take it your Sinhalese. Have you been to Sri Lanka? I was there last year and really loved it, though it's heartbraking to see a country with so much potential being torn apart by ethnic tensions that really don't need to be. I also noticed that you're a Sagitarian monkey, which is a coincidence because so am I (8th Dec).
It's true what you say about poverty in other countries. On this trip I've certainly gained a greater sense of what's important to me, what I really need, and what's just extraneous fluff that I can easily do without. The problems of the world certainly need a concerted effort from everyone if they are to be solved. Well done with the first step, and hopefully it will make others follow suit.
Erik.
P.S. I'm looking forward to reading more about your travails in the office!
The Mercy Global site is incredible. When you consider how much money is spent on destruction and excess, it's unforgivable that so many people live like this in so many places around the world.
I always wonder just how much of the donated money actually finds it's way to help the people who are in need. There's a charity head office (who shall be nameless) near my home, who provide eye health to various locations in Africa, and their main office building is very fancy... I know they do wonderful work, but SOMEONE has to pay for the office building and all the paid staff.......
Martin, Cyberoutlaw, I agree with you completely. I had the TV on when I was posting that entry, and I got so annoyed by the silly little things that they thought were problems--till I realized that I was not much different. And the extravangance today. . . just walk into Bloomingdale's or Saks (or Selfridges or Debenhams, for Martin). I wonder if we would think twice before wasting money if we realized that that money could make the difference between life and death to someone.
You've got me on my soapbox!!
Erik, thank you for stopping by. I'm actually Tamil (you've insulted me by saying I'm Sinhalese. . . haha). My parents live in Colombo, so I go back once a year or two years. Where in Sri Lanka did you go? Enjoy your travels, and I'll be sure to keep reading about your adventures!
And ex-shammie, you raise a good point, and we know that many charities have come under fire for using donations for themselves instead of to help others. I do know that Charity: Water has corporate sponsors who support its admin costs, so all donations do go to the people they're trying to help.
Hi Inihtar,
Ooops, what a blooper, I really did put my foot in it there. It's just that the few Christian Sri Lankans I met were all Sinhalese. Anyway, many apologies.
So, what did I see in Sri Lanka? Well, there was the usual touristy stuff: Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Candy and Galle. Though my favourite spot was upcountry around Haputale where there were wonderful walks that could be done through the tea plantations and surrounding countryside. I had wanted to go north but whilst I was there the latest round of troubles just began (at Trincomalee I think) and I decided that caution was the better part of valour. But it was very nice and the people were all friendly and not rapacious towards foreign tourists like they are in India.
I also got a little reminder of Sri Lanka when I was in Muscat and I went to a Sri Lankan restaurant (there are many Sri Lankans in Oman) for some string hoppers and quick eats. Mmmmmmm.
The discrepancies are harder and harder for me to accept... but, this makes me look into my own life and lifestyle and our policies as a nation. I like to give money to these sorts of things, but I also like to think about the underlying causes. I guess we need to do both.
Goodnight!
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