Faith is stronger than money
Toni Bürki spent his whole life working hard. And (s)he who was industrious for decades has a right to fulfil a life’s dream upon retirement. A sports car had caught the eye of the Swiss hailing from the Canton Bern.
The price for the new model of the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is a six-digit figure. Since the sports car first came onto the US-market, the delivery times for the Country of the Confederates was eight months. Annoying, but it is known that anticipation is one of the greatest joys.
A couple of weeks ago on Bibel-TV Mr Bürki saw an interview with missionary doctor Dr John. Somehow the contents of the programme touched him deeply. A book with the weird title “Walking on the water” was also recommended. It was a quick decision and the book was lying on the kitchen table. The 284 pages of experiences with God touched the cockles of his heart. The fact that the poorest of the poor are offered modern medical care in the name of Christian charity – despite hurdles, difficulties and setbacks – got Toni Bürki thinking.
Yesterday he transferred the money for the sports car not to a Swiss car dealer, but to a Peruvian missionary hospital. He gave the following “For Covid patients at the Hospital Diospi Suyana” as the intended use. Unbelievable. And did not we hear the following two sentences from when we were small: “Money makes the world go round” and “ones shirt sits closer than one’s jacket”? Is it possible to practise renunciation in order to help people that one does not even know?
The riddle’s answer can be found in a decision that Toni Bürki took 51 years ago. Back then as a 20-year-old he decided to put God first in all areas of his life. It is this faith, not one supported solely by pious phrases, that also fascinates atheists. “So often in my life I have experienced Jesus’ blessing and protection that I make this donation with a glad and thankful heart.” writes Bürki in his email. His wife Sylvia sees things in exactly the same way.
With this huge sum Diospi Suyana will be able to subsidise the treatment of 100 Covid-patients. In abstaining from a Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 100 people’s lives will hopefully be able to be saved. Such a thought almost knocks one for six.
