I was raised in a Christian, Mennonite, home where the life and teachings of Jesus were taught and lived. These teachings involved non-violence, non-resistance and non-involvement in the military.
As I grew up and formed my personal beliefs and convictions, I decided that when it became time to register for the draft, I would register as a Conscientious Objector and do voluntary service for 3 years under the Mennonite Church Voluntary Service program, as approved by the US Government.
When I turned 18, I went to the draft board in Delaware, Ohio. I was told that there had never been a Conscientious Objector approved in their office and I would not be the first. A meeting was set up for my hearing, but it was never held because the US Government draft was canceled.
The change in the draft did not change my interest in volunteering since my parents were involved in church mission and rescue mission work for their complete lives.
When I was 22 years old, I left for Tanzania to work with the Tanzania Mennonite Church in development and mission work. I was very involved with the local people and enjoyed my work so much that I ended up volunteering in Tanzania for 8 years.
A few years after returning to the US, I started volunteering to raise funds to support the Tanzania Mennonite Church hospital, their nursing school and their leprosy community. In 28 years, over $1 million has been raised and used for medical equipment, scholarships, solar water, solar electric, and many other projects.
My commitment as a Conscientious Objector started as a religious conviction against war, killing, and violence. This conviction has lead me to commit 36 years of my life to support the Tanzanian people and to make true friends for America.