Motivation

Another aspect of our Mission revolves around Ronald's teacher, who in 1965 arrived in America from India. A.C. Bhaktivedanta's appearance in the West was motivated by the very thing he was most fond of: his love for God. This was his mission: to introduce us to a new perspective of God and to increase mankind's love for Him. Shrila Prabhupada said, “Because I love Krishna (God written in Sanskrit), I want everybody - the whole world to love Krishna, too.” This sentiment is truly the sign of a great saint, from any religion.

In 1968 the founder of Krishna Disaster Relief had a very brief introduced to Lord Krishna. He wanted to know more but the Vietnam War and his draft notice put all of that on hold. Therefore it wasn't until 1976 that Ronald finally became A.C. Bhaktivedanta's full-time student. In 1990, after responding to a tornado that destroyed major parts of Limon, Colorado and seeing with his own eyes the heroic efforts on the part of so many volunteers, Ronald suddenly realized that Krishna Disaster Relief could one day become key in fulfilling the very reason that his teacher had come to America in the first place.

Even with life's ups and downs, Ronald's time in the United States Air Force was not fully wasted, especially when he was shown a film about the 1964 earthquake that did significant damage to Anchorage, Alaska. He watched a film with about fifty other soldiers, highlighting the response and rescue efforts by the Air Force. The immediate and emotional affect that everyone felt by watching this film was unmistakable and overwhelming, driving home to Ronald the powerful fact that universally, everyone loves a hero.

An essential aspect of love is appreciation and on August 19, 1972, A.C. Bhaktivedanta spoke about this appreciation and said: "This is the beginning of spiritual life. People are praising our activities and this APPRECIATION is a lift for such persons…even if he or she doesn't hear; doesn't come; but simply says, 'it is very nice.' ...Yes!" Once again, on May 9th, 1975 during a morning walk in Perth Australia, he said: "If they simply APPRECIATE ...(if they say) 'It is very nice,' …then in (their) next birth, human life is guaranteed; in a very nice family. Simply if he APPRECIATES."

A.C. Bhaktivedanta loved Krishna and he simply wanted the whole world to love Him, too. This was his heart's desire: his dream. Fulfillment of this dream is also the mission of Krishna Disaster Relief: a mission that embraces Krishna (God) as the Greatest Hero. In the future there are other areas of disaster relief that Krishna Disaster Relief will be working to provide: from search & rescue to a fully functional field hospital.