Garrett and his wife, Desire sold their house and pledged to help build one OBI well a month.

CALIFORNIA – As a young married couple, Garrett and Desire were trying to get on their feet and find their place in the world.

A search on the internet routed them to Operation Blessing's Web page and a step of faith led to selling their house, moving in with Garrett's parents and giving thousands of dollars to help build water wells in Africa.

"If I was out there with only contaminated water, I would want someone to help me get clean water," Garrett said. "If I was out there with no food, I would want someone to help feed me. 

"If I had no clothes I would want someone to give me clothes," he addded, "If I was sick and had no doctor, I would need a free clinic.”

Garrett, 25 and Desire, 22, wanted to do more than just a one-time donation. In order to reduce their monthly expenses, the couple chose to move in with Garrett's parents, pledging to help fund one OBI well a month – or $1,000 – for the next year.

To date, the couple, with matching funds from their employer, has helped fund more than a dozen wells.

To date, the couple, with matching funds from their employer, has helped fund more than a dozen wells, one of which is featured above.

"We live to give,"Garrett said. "In everything, do to others as you would have them do to you.”

Since the couple started their mission, plans have changed once again – they both quit their jobs. Garrett is learning the construction trade and Desiree is training to be a nurse.

"Our goal is to obtain useful skills for missions and Charity work, at the same time using those skills to earn a living and donate as much as possible,"Garrett said.

The couple based their decision, in part, on a mission trip to an orphanage in Mexico.

"It was good, but we did not have much to offer,"Garrett said. "Next time I can lead a crew in construction and Desiree can use her skills as a nurse.”

In the meantime, the couple is busy raising money anyway they know how – through pool parties, boating trips and speaking at local churches. The duo is also active in their hometown, handing out gloves and other clothing items at area homeless shelters.

HOW YOU CAN HELP
Help break the cycle of suffering by giving toward Operation Blessing's water wells and cisterns program. A gift of $1,800 can drill a well for villages and supply families with clean drinking water.

 

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