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“I’m a retired guy who has been fortunate. I had a good career building low-income housing in rural, poverty-stricken communities throughout the South. Here in the U.S., in East Africa, and Honduras, I have seen with my own eyes the harsh realities, and have developed a sensitivity to human needs within our country and around the globe.

“I learned about the humanitarian relief and development efforts of Malteser International during a pilgrimage to Lourdes in 2012. My local Hospitaller in Charlotte, North Carolina, suggested I get involved. So I met (Executive Director) Ravi Tripptrap and we talked about Malteser International’s projects in the Americas. I asked right then and there how I could help. We became friends, and I have been a supporter ever since.

“I’ve spent a lot of time working in Honduras and supporting our daughter’s NGO in Tanzania, but I can’t be everywhere. I can, however, contribute to support Malteser International Americas where it’s working. It has experts in the field who are able to aid struggling people in developing countries. “I understand the desire to help in the field. I’ve been there, but relief organizations and NGOs need help to further their efforts. Many people want to volunteer, but if they don’t have experience with global disasters, they can hurt more than help. Everyone should read the book Toxic Charity and learn how to give in ways that best help the people in need. Our financial support can be funneled to provide the help that provides the greatest value.

“If you can give only a small amount of money or a few resources, you can change people’s lives. It’s clear to me that limited efforts can make a huge impact in the world. That is why I support organizations like Malteser International Americas. I don’t want to tell it how to build the wheel. I just want to help push it along in any way that I can."

“Malteser International Americas gives us the ability to do something tangible in the Americas to save lives. It knows what it is doing, and its experts do it. It also embodies what Christ taught us...and that is unconditional love.

“I once met Mother Teresa, and we were talking about people judging others. She asked if I knew how we all get to heaven. Before I could answer she responded that we get there by showing unconditional love to all of God’s people. She said we all need to work on that. I took her words to heart and thought about how I could show unconditional love to others in life. I decided to give whatever I could to whomever needs it. It doesn’t matter where they are from...if someone is hurting or dying in the streets, I must help. We are not here to judge, but to love each other.”

– As told to Jill Watson

PROJECT GALLERY