In support of the Flower Power Girls

One of the most important lessons a parent can teach a child is the call to social action on behalf of human beings less fortunate. In our privileged American society, and especially in the rarified conditions that offer the great life in Orange County, it is a difficult task for many parents to demonstrate that the rest of the world is not particularly consumed by the next prom or the latest Marc Jacobs dress.

Though we are indeed blessed by countless people who are involved in every imaginable charitable endeavor aimed at improving the lives of people in need, it is often done at arm’s length. Important sums of money are raised at events produced for philanthropic purposes; however, how many resident interact on a personal level with people directly affected by major challenges in life?

It is one thing to serve turkey at a Thanksgiving dinner once a year for the homeless, and it is another thing to dedicate oneself in an ongoing manner helping a homeless family turn around their circumstances.

A group of young people in Newport Beach are setting a standard caring for others that is the essence of selfless behavior. They are called the Flower Power Girls.

The triad of young ladies, consisting of Francesca Nestande, Annie Megonigal and Nicolette Kelegian, began their path of making a difference two years ago when they were introduced to a man named Michael Viser who came to speak to their elementary school classroom at Mariners Christian School.

Viser is the founder of an organization called Wells for Life. The project provides water to people living in rural villages in the furthermost regions of India.

Many of the people served are of the Dalit caste, which is considered one of the lowest castes in India. The Dalits and others including orphans, people with leprosy, people with disabilities, people with HIV and AIDS, and people who work in the sex trade and are considered “untouchables.”

Their living conditions are often subhuman. Without access to water, many are forced to walk for hours each day to find a well to provide the most basic element of life.

Viser told the children that the cost of building a well in remote Indian villages averages about $1,000. His story was first covered in the Daily Pilot in 2004.

As a result of that visit, the three young ladies set out and raised $1,000 to build a well. After the funds were turned over to Viser, the young ladies asked their parents if it would be possible to travel to India to see the results of their endeavor.

In February 2005, the trip became a reality, and two of the young ladies and their parents joined Viser in Channi, India.

In the course of their journey they were introduced to Cristopher Prem Das, director of a facility named Light of Love Children’s Home in Tuni, Andhra Pradesh, India. The home is a Christian missionary facility with the purpose of helping improve the lives of some of the Dalits, which make up comprise 250 million Indians, one quarter of the nation’s population.

The home run by Premdas is under the banner of an organization called the Nazareth Assn. for Social Awareness. The Nazareth mission is based on the call of Jesus to “act and preach.”

This week in Newport Beach, Premdas and Viser were welcomed in the Lido Isle residence of Pam and Bruce Nestande, parents of Francesca Nestande. The Nestande family joined Mark and Shelly Kelegian and Mark and Lorri Megonigal in welcoming the community to two consecutive dessert receptions to acquaint them with the work of both organizations: Wells for Life and the Nazareth Assn. For Social Awareness.

A passionate turnout, which included Tom and Zeta Megonigal and Jeanine Megonigal along with DeWight Titus, all grandparents of Flower Power Girl Annie Megonigal, helped to raise a most impressive $20,000 that will bring water to countless thousands of Indians as well as help the children’s home supported by Premdas.

Stepping up to the plate and lending assistance were Cathy Heck; Maureen Ramer; Debbie Benedict; Mary Manno; Peter and Linda Formuzis; Leo and Ladeana Young; Austin and Shirley Mahr; Tony and Linda Kinninger; and Susie Titus. Also present at the reception were David and Lois Tingler; Hap Byers; Bill and Ida Middlesworth; Marcia O’Hern; Wendy Boyd; John and Pam Duley; and George and Nancy Wall.

There is another very significant lesson or message involved in this relief effort. It is equally important for the young people like the Flower Power Girls of Newport-Mesa to understand and to grasp the connection between the assistance that their dollars bring and the religious connection from which the relief effort springs.

In a world that is very much divided by religious belief, illustrated all to clearly by the Middle Eastern conflict, the efforts of charity groups and Christian relief organizations entering non-Western, non-Christian cultures and territories present ethical issues that must be faced by those involved. The most critical question might be, would an organization bring water to the untouchables simply for the sake of bringing water to those who thirst? Or, is social work a convenient avenue to spreading a particular religious belief?

The answer to these questions is somewhat ironic. Or perhaps it’s not ironic at all. Jesus would have, no doubt, instructed his followers to bring water to those that thirst regardless of their religious, political, social or economic station in life.

True charity always comes from the heart -- without conditions or strings attached. This is the vital lesson to teach our children of all backgrounds and from all walks of life. It was the call to action to help the untouchables, and to bring them water, that made three young ladies from Newport-Mesa rally the community to make a difference.

* THE CROWD runs Thursdays and Saturdays.

20060126ito9cwnc(LA)Dave and Beth Barnhizer of Newport Beach attend an event in support of Christian charities bringing relief to the poor in India. 20060126ito9c3nc(LA)Nicolette Kelegian, Annie Megonigal and Francesca Nestande, , initiated a drive to bring water to the poor and outcast in India. 20060126ito9cxnc(LA)John Duley, Marie Elfsten, Tom Megonigal and Katy Eltsten at Nestande reception raising $20,000 for aid in India. 20060126ito9bvnc(LA)Mark Megonigal, Lorri Megonigal, Michael Visser, Christopher Prem Das, Pam Nestande and Bruce Nestande came together at a Lido Isle fundraiser for Wells for Life in India. 20060126gzf7uqke(LA)