To Start a Business

 August 15 meant a trip to Midwest Distribution (United Methodist relief organization) where several of us spent the day working. Those of us who were assembling school desks noticed that there were a large number of old sewing machines. This took me back to my early years where I would sit and on the floor at my grandmother's house and push that floor pedal up and down to watch the needle work. No electricity needed.

Why does the United Methodist Church collect, literally, dozens of these machines and get them working in perfect order? I have made five mission trips to the Amazon region and was still puzzled by the 21st century need for these types of sewing machines.

Two gentlemen rework these machines by cleaning, oiling, and fine tuning the gears. They are then "shrink wrapped," placed on palates and shipped to regions around the world where there is no electricity but cottage businesses can thrive with this advancement over hand sewing. Wow, I am so bombarded every day with 21st century technology that I forget there is a significant segment of the world that still goes without electricity.

What if more of us sacrificed a few "things" and started giving money to organizations that are producing small solar panels for use in these areas of the world where consistent electric supply is still years away. My challenge today (STEM) for teachers is to have their classes work on solar and wind power generators that are small and easily assembled. They must be able to withstand harsh climates, be easy to set up and take down. The footprint must be minimal.

I know these types of products are being created but our students might come up with a simple product, lighter, stronger, more efficient means of bringing electricity to the less fortunate of the world.