Community Project Series from Jedidiah Clothing on Vimeo.
The story below is posted from the Jedidiah Community about a young man who selflessly gave away something of great value for the benefit of others. If you are inspired by Mark's story - go to the Jedidiah Community Project Series and cast your vote for his story and action of love.
Price is Right Give Away
by: Mark Weaver, Indianapolis, IN
When I graduated from college I was inspired by my faith to explore the world and have some adventures while helping others. I went out to Colorado for a season of snowboarding with an organization called YWAM (Youth With A Mission). Then I lived in Cancun, Mexico for two months and rebuilt some playgrounds and schools that were destroyed by the hurricane. After that I did some skating and surfing ministry out in Huntington Beach, CA. While I was there I won the Showcase Showdown on the Price is Right, back when Bob Barker was still hosting it. I won about $58,000 in prizes including two new cars, a trip for two to Paris, France, a stove, and a nice rug. When I won the Showcase Showdown, I knew I wanted to use the prizes to help others. My YWAM experience and a book called the Irresistible Revolution, by Shane Claiborne, moved my heart to help people in impoverished nations. I was determined to do my part. I saw a documentary film called, “The Invisible Children” that taught about the terrible war with rebel soldiers abducting child soldiers and the high rate of AIDS leaving millions of children orphaned in Uganda, Africa. I sold the two cars I won from the game show and used the money to go live in Uganda for six months and gave away the money to orphanages there. I was able to help them by buying medicines, school fees, and investing in income generating projects. I learned the philosophy that you can give a man a fish and he’ll eat for a day, but teach him to fish and he’ll eat for a lifetime. So I bought some woodworking equipment, sewing machines, and farming supplies, so that they could work on their own to make a consistent income. I mostly helped out an orphanage called the Canaan Children's Home in Buziika, Uganda. I also traveled up to Gulu and helped the Invisible Children organization to build a school. Then I lived in an IDP refugee camp for a while to help teach students. I lived in harsh circumstances and sadly even saw people murdered by invading rebel groups. It was a life changing experience. I learned that it feels better to give than to recieve. I believe that if everyone decided to use their possessions to help others, then this world would be a better place.
Comments
Oh, the places he's gone already--I'll hope for more places to receive him with open arms.