Life of Spiritual Bankruptcy
For nearly a decade, Scott Harrison was immersed in the nightlife of New York City, promoting clubs and indulging in a lifestyle marked by excess. Despite his outward success, marked by luxurious possessions and a glamorous social circle, Scott felt deeply unfulfilled. Describing himself as 'spiritually, emotionally, and morally bankrupt,' he realized that his life of partying was empty.
The Turning Point Moment
On New Year's Eve in Uruguay, surrounded by chaos and champagne, Scott experienced a profound moment of clarity. 'I was rotting on the inside,' he admitted, realizing he needed a drastic change. This awakening catalyzed his journey back to faith, one that he had lost amid the clamor of his past life.
God Changed My Career Calling
Determined to reinvent himself, Scott quit his job, abandoned his vices, and began praying again. He sought ways to serve others, ultimately volunteering with Mercy Ships, a hospital ship in West Africa. During his time there, Scott encountered the devastating impact of unclean water. Witnessing people drink from filthy sources, he felt a call to action: to bring clean water to those in need.
Life Transformed Through Service
Returning to New York, Scott founded Charity: Water in 2006, despite having no prior experience in the non-profit sector. Facing skepticism and mistrust towards charities, he innovated by ensuring 100% of public donations were used directly for water projects, tracked with GPS for transparency. His first project, funded by a birthday party fundraiser, brought clean water to thousands in Uganda.
Since then, Charity: Water has transformed lives by providing clean water access to over 17.4 million people globally. Scott credits his journey to faith and the divine call to serve others as the driving force behind this mission. 'What would the opposite of my life look like?' he pondered. 'Serving God and the poor.'
Through Scott's transformation, Jesus receives the glory for turning a life once consumed by hedonism into one dedicated to compassion and service. His story not only exemplifies redemption but also demonstrates the profound impact of faith put into action.
