Monday, August 12, 2013

day 1198: charity:water

"So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord!"

Yesterday's New York Times Sunday Magazine ran a great story on charity:water and its' founder Scott Harrison.  It is worth reading on many levels as Scott, who was an accomplished club promoter in NYC saw a need (clean water in Africa), felt a burden to solve the problem, and identified a gap in the market to meet the challenge (give people a way to see proof of their contributions).  Along with ensuring his funding through a very business like way of approaching the market, he has grown charity:water, as a non-profit to nearly $100MM in revenue and impact.  It's a fantastic story and we can all take lessons from Scott and his approach.  A non-profit that we can learn from in our for-profit businesses, that in itself is novel.

Underlying Scott's passion for charity:water is a courage and conviction as a follower of Jesus.  In the article, Scott tells his story of conversion and how his faith has girded and been the underpinning of all that he does.  If you read the article, you will see Scott's courage come through that when while doing the interview with the New York Times, he invites the reporter to church. While it might seem like a small thing to do, it is something we all can do, anytime, anywhere and without being over the the top in the eyes of others in the office, we can do our part to expand God's Kingdom. I am moved, inspired and encouraged by those who are courageous in their faith. Others are also similarly moved.  We just have to bring that courage forth and put it to work for Christ.

Reference: Psalm 31:24 (New Living Testament) 

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