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- Some people out here have raised the concerns about his larger motive " conversion from hindu to Christaninty " and about his funders asking for a annual report of performance ( how many concverted ).
- Preeti Balakrishnan
- Viser founded and runs 'Wells for Change' -- an organisation that raises money to build bore wells in rural India, working largely with communities that haven't seen rain in adequate quantities in years.
- Michael returned to the United States, and India became for him another 'experience', another 'story' to share with friends over a drink. A little over a year later, the acquaintance with whom he had stayed invited him to return with a church group from California, that had donated a bore well and was flying down to attend the dedication.
Michael agreed -- and saw, first hand, how the village reacted to the well. "For the first time, I realised that water was a valuable commodity," Viser recalls.
He got talking with a local leader, and learned that his village was in dire need of water and that his community's Dalit status meant they would not have access to the newly-dedicated well. Viser saw this as a sign, the purpose he had been waiting for. But even so, he was aware of what he thought were his own limitations. -
The incident dates back to 2001 -- and Viser has not rested since. Giving up his job, he became a stay-at-home dad for his two children, dedicating all his time to 'Wells for Life'. Since its launch, the group has raised over $1,000,000 and built more than 275 wells, each costing approximately $1,500 in India, and most situated in Andhra Pradesh.
For all the good work he has done, Viser gets his fair share of criticism, mostly about the 'charity model' that 'Wells for Life' has adopted. "The only criticisms I get are from the people in the United States. I say, why are you criticising me? What are you doing? They don't have anything to say in return.
- People involved: include Dr Premdas, who runs an orphanage, and Father Dhana- what do you think they are up to? Conversions. The Evangelical TV in USA routinely shows this-dig wells in India for dalits and for Christ. This is shameful. Each well costs $1500/- and India does not have the money? Especially when MMS gave 150 million dollars to Afghanistan recently as aid. And $ 950 millions in freeHajtrips to muzlims!
India can do all this... it is all humbug missionary activity. As per article, this is mostly in AP- why?SAMUEL reddy's blessing. - 'Wells for Life' is clearly a Christian organisation -- after all, Viser points out, it was his faith that took him to India in the first place. However, he says, he hasn't seen any signs in India that people are questioning his faith -- water is a scarce resource, and no one is too concerned about the religious beliefs of the person providing it.
- And you're going back to help! Why would you want to do that? I tell them I'm doing it because Jesus told me I need to do it. They just smile and that's where it ends."
- Almost the whole of Bengal and the Gangetic plain have been been afflicted by mass poisoning by ARSENIC in drinking water. It came about because of well meaning, overenthusiastic sinking of borewells sponsored by the United Nations.
- He also gets considerable support from the church community, he points out.
- "I just get the money. They do the work." 'They' include Dr Premdas, who runs an orphanage, and Father Dhana, who pulls together the organisational work needed to dig the wells.
- Best to connect Ganges with kauvery river- a proposal that is languishing for 50 years, due to stupid congress leaders' lack of foresight. Such a conccetion of 2 rivers would provide enough water for irrigation and drinking. India must also consult Israel- who are experts in water use; they can help India build catchment areas for catching all the monsoon rains.
- Let this water serve as a reminder that there are people who care for you; that you matter; that there is a God who feels the same way about you. And that's it."
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Saturday, July 4, 2009
The deep well of compassion
