Generosity that Multiplies
From Robert and Tessa Swarthout
Robert & Tessa Swarthout
One Collective friends and supporters since 2011
“Empowerment for us is moving people out of victim-hood and into ownership of their own lives and shifting their reality.”
Like many One Collective friends and supporters, the Swarthouts began their journey with One Collective by supporting two members of one of our local teams. “And then,” Robert told us, “we got an invitation to attend a One Collective event.”
“It was great timing - we had just sold our business, and we thought, ‘this sounds like fun.’” But giving support to One Collective was totally different than their support of the field workers – which never ceased for Robert and Tessa.
During this event, Robert and Tessa were introduced to One Collective’s model of holistic community transformation: seeing people as Jesus does – responding to their spiritual and physical needs in a holistic way and in the context of specific communities – from local leaders to those on the margins of society who seem invisible.
“We realized that a gift to One Collective creates independence within the culture of a community rather than being reliant on outside resources for their sustenance and livelihood.”
Robert and Tessa were attracted to the One Collective strategy that Catalysts are using to empower communities around the world. “Seeing the Catalysts come together with local community leaders – listening to their needs and responding to particular situations, what could be more efficient?”
“Giving is about paying it forward.” Robert said. “I was brought up in a family that gave every week to our church – and that’s important.” But by investing in One Collective, Robert and Tessa were able to see their gifts put to work through a well-designed, well-established model that empowered the people to take control of their lives. “That’s important to us.”
“Empowering people to have ‘drive’”, Tessa told us,”to achieve their goals; finding the dreamers in a community and helping them to become successful – that just means so much to people.” Tessa and Robert were able to visit other One Collective communities and see first-hand how investing in and working with local leaders could generate new growth and new activity in the community and beyond.
“We saw the difference One Collective has made,” Robert said, “or we wouldn’t have continued to support this ministry. One Collective handled our gift just the way we hoped.”
“To know that we helped...that we empower people to take ownership of their lives and away from victim-hood; to open up options for people to create a sustainable livelihood that has an impact well beyond our original gift. That’s why we give to One Collective.”
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