Good Cause

There is a beautiful family here just outside the ashram where we all like to go have a cup of chai. There is a beautiful wife, hard-working husband, and two boys. Actually, they're men now. One is 21 and the other 18. They are extremely sweet and just good people. You can see it in their eyes and smile. The 18 year old, Shanker, and I were talking and he told me that he cannot go to college because they are spending all their money on the oldest to go. He said this is normal here. I asked him if he could go, would he? Where would he choose to go? What would he study? How much would it cost?

He said he would go to ALFA (http://www.alfainstitute.com/index.htm) and study welding. He said the total cost would be 20,000 rupees ($500).

I then asked if someone could give him the money, would he go, and would his parents allow it, would his parents be offended?

He said yes he would go and no his parents wouldn't be offended. I double checked this with the parents.

So, I wrote to Jesus asking if he'd be willing to help this family out. He says we can help, but right at this moment he doesn't feel comfortable giving the whole $500. (He's doing a bunch of home improvement projects that we've put off for years and doesn't want to run out of money.) So, I thought that MAYBE some of you might want to pitch in whatever you can to help this family out. I can post pictures and maybe even video, if it makes it seem more personal. They have invited me for dinner tonight, so I can take some then.

Please, I don't want anyone to feel pressure or guilty if you don't want/can't help out. I just thought I'd ask. A lot of times we want to help, but we just don't know who or where. I thought this was a good cause. This small thing could change this guy's life forever. A little bit of money goes a long way here in India.

There is something you should know first though. Since this is such a small amount, I don't think it is worth hiring a lawyer to draw up papers that they sign stating that they will use this money for college ONLY. So, if you give this money, then you would have to give it as a gift and understand that it is possible that they may not use it the way we intend. I seriously doubt this family would do something like that. They are not greedy, but they are human, and they come from a very different culture than we do. In there culture, it may be OK to take money for one thing and use it for another. I don't know. So, if you give money, it would have to be with this in mind.

If it sounds like people are interested in this, then I can discuss the best way to handle the money with Jesus and let you all know what to do. Please don't give money if you feel uncomfortable with the idea. This all requires a lot of trust on your part... trust in Jesus and I and trust in the people to use your money as we say we will. I understand if this not something you'd want to do.

If it is... then please let me know what you'd like to give.

Thanks to everybody in advance. Love you all.