"I believe in People and in the Power of Action." ~ Vicente Ferrer

Our founder, Vicente Ferrer would have turned 100 today.

He was a beautiful man. Kindhearted. Passionate. Ready to give his life for the poorest of the poor.

Source: ? RDT 2020

When he first arrived in India, he fell in love with this ancient land, with its amazing people.

But most of all, he wanted to help those who had no hope. And he didn't believe that charity was the only answer to eradicate poverty. Instead, he wanted to share his knowledge and empower people to improve their own lives.

And he chose Anantapur to show what can be done in one of the most challenging areas of India with constant drought and scorching sun.

Source: ? RDT 2020

He created the Foundation that has transformed the lives of over 3.6 million people in 3,600 villages. And it grows stronger every year.

We are so proud to carry on his work. We stand by his values and ideals and follow his vision to end poverty.

Here is my dedication to this amazing man.

Dedication to Vicente Ferrer

What is life without stretching your soul all the way

So you can reach your fellow humans in dire need, heart to heart?

What kind of dream is it if you do not dare to help with all you have,

Even if all you have is one kind heart and two empty hands?

What are you serving if you are standing still, angry and confused just because

This world is hurting you?

What are you striving for if your heart is not ready to give all your love to people abandoned,

With no hope, no bread, no life?

But he said, my life belongs to these people,

But he said, I will take care of this barren land,

But he said, I will seed the tamarinds to nurture their families,

But he said, I will start small, walking from village to village,

And I will ask each poor farmer, what can I teach him to succeed?

And I will hold the hand of every widow and orphan and wipe their tears away,

And I will share my heart with these beautiful children who have nothing

And I will bring a little hope to each and every one I see on my way,

One person at a time, one dream, one smile,

Because we are born to be human,

Because you only live when you give,

Because we are all one miracle on Earth,

Because we are meant to be beacons

For all those hungry and thirsty and lost…  

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If you would like to support VFF USA's projects in Anantapur, please feel free to reach out to us at: [email protected], or donate directly to our COVID-19 Relief Fund at: https://bit.ly/2JRWcOK

### About the Author ###

Dr. Andrey Gidaspov is the Executive Director of VFF USA. The mission of the Vicente Ferrer Foundation USA (VFF USA) is to eradicate poverty in rural India. VFF USA partners with the Rural Development Trust in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana to empower rural India. Learn more at: www.vffusa.org