Harry Smith - Connector, Water Dropper
December 2, 2013 by Terry Voss
“You look into the eyes of migrants and see their struggle, their pain.”
If you’re looking for someone with high energy and a commitment to help others, Harry Smith is the one to choose. In a New York United Methodist Church, Harry learned early the value of “ministering” to people in need. Working as a fire fighter and medic he had ample opportunity to practice this commitment.
When Harry and his wife Joyce moved to Green Valley in 2004, they joined the Community Church, and knowing nothing about the immigration situation, they went to a series of classes called “Walk in the Desert.” When going out to see one of the water stations sponsored by Humane Borders, the group found a migrant by the side of the road. Eyes and hearts are quickly opened by such an encounter, especially when you’re with people who actually stop and provide life giving help.
After joining Samaritans, Harry was often found going out on Searches. As new opportunities opened up such as “basura,” the “Comedor” and “water drops,” he became involved with those as well. He has also continued his work with the church educating people about the importance of a humane response to migrant people dying in the desert just outside our doors.
Harry says that it’s really hard when you see gallon bottles of water left to save lives used for target practice. You “look into the eyes” of migrants and see their struggle, their pain. You see the blistered feet on women and children and hear stories of rape and robbery. You see a pant leg pinned up at the knee of a man whom you learn lost a foot jumping off a train to escape a group of men intent on harming him.
It can get really hard, but then you run into a situation where you are able to really help another person; give food and water; bandage a foot; or just offer a caring hug and a listening ear. Then the energy and commitment return and Harry continues to do what he can to help.
If you’re looking for someone with high energy and a commitment to help others, Harry Smith is the one to choose. In a New York United Methodist Church, Harry learned early the value of “ministering” to people in need. Working as a fire fighter and medic he had ample opportunity to practice this commitment.
When Harry and his wife Joyce moved to Green Valley in 2004, they joined the Community Church, and knowing nothing about the immigration situation, they went to a series of classes called “Walk in the Desert.” When going out to see one of the water stations sponsored by Humane Borders, the group found a migrant by the side of the road. Eyes and hearts are quickly opened by such an encounter, especially when you’re with people who actually stop and provide life giving help.
After joining Samaritans, Harry was often found going out on Searches. As new opportunities opened up such as “basura,” the “Comedor” and “water drops,” he became involved with those as well. He has also continued his work with the church educating people about the importance of a humane response to migrant people dying in the desert just outside our doors.
Harry says that it’s really hard when you see gallon bottles of water left to save lives used for target practice. You “look into the eyes” of migrants and see their struggle, their pain. You see the blistered feet on women and children and hear stories of rape and robbery. You see a pant leg pinned up at the knee of a man whom you learn lost a foot jumping off a train to escape a group of men intent on harming him.
It can get really hard, but then you run into a situation where you are able to really help another person; give food and water; bandage a foot; or just offer a caring hug and a listening ear. Then the energy and commitment return and Harry continues to do what he can to help.