Bringing Hope | Ben Taylor
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 ก.ย. 2024
- Ben Taylor tells of how he listened to his heart and turned the efforts of a presumed scam artist into a chance to help a whole village.
“Hello sir my name is Joel I want 4 us to get into some business, if u can get some used Laptop, Computers, Printers, P.A. Sets and other Electronic Devices so dey can b sold faster.” Ben Taylor heard about these internet scams before and felt he needed to teach the scammer a lesson. So, when he messaged back, little did he know he’d set off a chain of events that would empower an entire village.
“Joel I’d like to talk with you about a different business opportunity…if you’re interested.” Ben lied that he worked in the photography business and collected pictures from around the world. He asked Joel to take some photographs from his part of the world. Joel told him he needed a new camera to take pictures. Would you send someone you’ve never met a camera? Neither would Ben. “Joel, any camera will do, even the camera on your phone.”
“BING!” Joel’s first pictures came through and they were terrible! Maybe Joel really did need a better camera. So, Ben invested in a camera and some basic photography textbooks and shipped them to Joel. As Ben sent the package off to Liberia, he thought it would be the end of their communication, “This guy’s going to sell that camera and make some money and I’ll be out money.”
“BING!” a message from Joel came in a few weeks later. Bing, Bing. More messages with better and better images. Joel took that cheap camera, read the books and began taking really good photographs!
As Joel became a better photographer, Ben made good on his offer and compiled the images of village life in Liberia. Pretty soon Ben had enough good images to publish Joel’s book of photographs. When Ben took to social media and shared the story of their unlikely friendship, they inspired thousands of people, and made $1,000.
Ben and Joel planned to split the money from the book sales. But when Ben learned that $500 was the average earning per year in Liberia, he couldn’t, in good conscience, take his cut. “Give it to a charity or someone in need”, Ben was uncertain whether Joel would really give it to charity or pocket it for himself.
“Bing!” a message from Joel with picture after picture of school children holding new book bags and notebooks. Joel had supplied five local schools with much needed supplies. Joel told Ben the opportunity to be charitable was one of the best things to come out of their friendship.
Ben thought he was going to teach this internet scammer a lesson. But instead he learned the lesson. When you give someone a chance, sometimes they might let you down, or they might just surprise you.
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I'll be honest, when I saw this video pop up on my feed, I thought, "this looks like a cheap attempt to look like a TED Talk." I am so glad that I clicked on the video and watched it despite my cynicism and preconception. While this follows a similar format, the message that was delivered is wonderful and important. I feel bad that I was so cynical. We need more messages like this. Thanks for sharing!
We're so glad that you enjoyed it.
ditto
Exactly!!! xxx
He actually has a Ted Talk lol
This one is actually better than the tedtalk he did both audio and visual quality wise
Please, don't see those who live in poverty as "the poor", but as people who, unporposely, are trapped inside of a reality they didn't consciously chose. I am from Chile and I was not in a situation likw Joel, but certainly I lacked of certain oportunities. I am very talented and smart, and all of that went nowhere until someone decided to provide me with the ultimate gift of helping me become self reliant.
President Holland said we should help those whose dreams and opportunities are broken due to poverty. Also, it was said about the Lord's people in Zion "there were no poor among them". Let us serve those in poverty helping them become self reliant. I want to do that now for others.
I do, in a sense, see such people as "the poor", but only because I am comparatively very rich (where it comes to food, education, etc.). I am confident that in other regards they are richer than I, and I know their experiences can make them so, so strong and wise. I, who have so much, have so much obligation to share. If someone so much as dared to call me impoverished, I would tell them of the people who really are. I might also direct them to the smiles of the people who are both impoverished and optimistic. I see no brighter smiles than of those who are in poverty but live the best they can. If only I would make my own smile as bright as theirs. In God's time, I hope, it will be.
Those who are born into an impoverished life are the ones who are the richest… they are the most giving… often sharing the last of their food for their neighbour… how many of us would do that? It’s why Christ was always found among the poor and children… they didn’t judge.. they didn’t see poverty… how many billionaires would give the last that they had to their neighbour? They don’t think who can I help today… it’s how much more can I make and how can I avoid paying taxes…
My parents had 8 kids and often took in one of my older cousins… my dad worked 2 jobs and my Mom a full time one… yet she was often found giving food hampers to someone she found out needed help. She would bring home a child who was being raised by her Dad and 7 siblings and had no electricity, water, food, or a working bathroom… she would send the child home at the end of the with boxes of food, clothing, and a father extremely grateful.
She would also find a family in need and all year purchase Christmas gifts etc for the family. Even my Dad didn’t know abt it.., I only found out by accident. I’m assuming my grandfather was the one who made the delivery Christmas Eve… despite having her own 8 children and a cousin she gave… and she gave in secret… never looking for attention… how different life would be if everyone did this for a family in need every year… how different our lives would be… we would literally be Christlike.. there would be far less suffering and far less hate crimes, bullying, etc… families would be stronger… in a world right now there is so much anger, resentment, death , etc.. our hearts have been hardened because of Covid… we no longer trust or look up to our Elders, or those in authority… instead it’s all for me.. what can I get out of it…
I’m hoping 2022 is a year where we allow our hearts to rule and not our minds… where we put God first… respect our family members… look out for each other, and see that our actions have an impact on other peoples lives… may we start this new year with being positive and leaving all that is negative in 2021🙏🦋
What a beautiful story of the gospel in action! Way to go Ben, and way to go Joel!
I’ve heard this story about a half dozen times but never like this. Just got my booklet today. Granted it’s not much. It’s only a few pages. You have probably traveled and bought more postcards then there are pics in this booklet. But it makes me feel good to know that by buying one of Joel’s books I am “putting my hand to the plow,” so to speak, and in a tiny way helping to improve the lives of people who make the amount of money in a year that I could probably spend in a few days!
God hs blessed Joel and I believe will continue to bless him as he generously sows seed into the lives of his fellow countrymen!! By d’ grace of God! It’s the best place to be!
What a beautiful example of obeying our Savior! ‘Love one another’. Thank you, Ben and Joel for your light.
If you guys didn't know, the speaker (Ben Taylor) has a TH-cam channel called "Pleasant Green" which is dedicated to scam baiting. He has videos, and he even tries to help these scammers pursue better lifestyles aswell.
I had seen a ted talk about a man who also messed with scammers . I thought to myself, this man is unoriginal. I too was unimpressed and cynical at first. However this message hit me harder than all the ted talks ive ever seen. I am humbled by what was shared in this message. Thank you Joel for teaching us that we should not judge anyone if we don't even know who they are. God bless everyone !
I'm from Liberia, thnx for the support to my country.
Wow what a story I know I can always come to this channel when I'm feeling down I'm a high school boy age 14 I am the teacher quarm president and last night was addition for drum line I have been practiceing for week but to me it didn't seem to pay of as I didn't get the part in drum line but my section leader had told me there's always next semester there's always something else God has a plan for u so I it seems as if u tryed u hardest but didn't succeed be patient God will bless you and show you a better way I may not see this way know but I know I will as well as anyone who reads this so have wonderful day and and I would like to share one more thing my testimony that I know the church of Jesus Christ of later day saints was restored by Joseph Smith that the church is true and that God always will be there for u and knows u by name and I say this in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.
Amen.
Hello Jacob! Thanks for having the courage to share your testimony and sharing your experience. I am from Chile, and sadly, though there are many talented people, our country doesn't provide us with much opportunities sometimes. I love music, and taught myself almost alone how to play violin. Because of not having a teacher, when I auditioned to be part of some orchestras, I didn't make it in, and the only one time I did, I decided to leave the orchestra because my beliefs were being threated constantly and I decided that if I needed to leave the orchestra I had desired so much for, in order to put Christ first, I was going to do it, and so I did. I can testify that God was thoughtful of me, and my sadness at the time, but he also prepared MANY wonders.for my life and made me very happy, I just needed to trust that he could. Greetings from Chile!
Wow I live this thank you
Love it
Iride González Suárez hi thank you something Interesting is that one of my uncles Is serving a mission in chili his name is brother mende u made me fell at peace so thank you for that and to all those who read this we should all now from dark to light god will all be with us and best of luck to you in chili have a great day.
The Lord works in mysterious ways!!! So cool Ben Taylor took on this challenge!!! Making lemonade out of lemons!!! It's about helping each other!!!!
Not all African are scammers..we also want to make a difference in our lives and our communities but we most of the time don't have the resources
vivian attiogbe of course. Someday I would love to visit my brothers and sisters in Christ in Africa. May the lord pour out his blessings upon you, your family, and your friends. Hugs from the US❤️❤️❤️
And even those who are trying to scam may be doing it in the hope to provide for their communities where others have failed to provide.
Of course not, you are all children of God. I think the man talking here was saying that he realized how good people he's never met can be.
@@sarahhunter1114 whenever you decide to come...do visit us in Ghana...
@vivian attiogbe Absolutely, everyone is a child of God and there are wonderful people everywhere making a difference.
Great reminder to beware of our biases. This brought tears...
This is very inspiring. Glad to know God has given me a second chance each day to be a better person .
My heart is filled with Joy and hope for mankind. Tears of love for things like this!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this story! I've been learning this lesson recently. Thank you, God, for awesome people ❤
Thank you for posting this. I haven't been the wife and mother I need to be for my family. Im excited to change. You kept a family eternal today. ❤ thank you forever.
What a cool story! Ben was my public speaking teacher at weber state university 3 semesters ago and i loved his class but he never mentioned any of this.
Listened while doing dishes. Still teared up.
Loved it but recommend changing the description, which calls Joel a scam artist when there's no evidence he ever actually was. Maybe just add the word "presumed" or something like that in front of the label.
Good thinking. We made the update. Thanks!
Oh I love it! Thanks for sharing!
i got teary eyed watching this...by the grace of God!!!
I’m so happy that they finally released more of these videos! I think it’s very inspiring!
Brother,it was a leap of faith to trust and help a stranger.But truly God works in a mysterious way...Godbless you and your family.Giving chances to people may lead us to risks and dangers...heartche at times but thanks for reminding me not to close my heart on others' needs. To Joe, by the grace of God you were blessed!
I love this story! What a great example the good people have inside themselves
I thought I this was a neighbor or something and got super exited......Then I realized the reason he looked so familiar his because I had watched several of his videos exposing scammers. What a cool guy. Kudos to him for the fine work he does.
I read this in readers digest. He says it exactly like it’s written
This is amazing. It shows that we can cause a great amount of change with small actions. "...by small and simple things are great things brought to pass..." (Alma 37:6).
Thanks Ben for All You Do , I love your channel
I remember reading this somewhere on Facebook ages ago, great to hear it today. Thank you.
This is a Beautiful Story!!
This is amazing. Thank you for sharing. 🙏🏽
You are welcome, so glad you enjoyed it.
I saw this story on your other channel and remember thinking that “he seems like a Latter Day Saint”
This is awesome!!! and I dont just throw that word around!!! Awe-inspiring
Great work guys. Well done 👍🙂
Thank you!
Just an FYI, some of the description does not match the actual video, like how Ben made up the story that he worked in the photography business, and how much the camera cost.
This story is so inspiring! I love how one simple act transformed a man and his community.
Hi Ben I just saw you on television news channel 7 and you definitely have a good heart in helping people❤️
To God Be All the Glory
I love this message and story. Thank you!
Wonderful story. God bless.
I love this!
Amazing story! Thank you for sharing and inspiring me!
I love this.. very inspiring!! Thank you.. may we all look for the good in other people! ❤️
Yeah.. im so blessed to be watching this ❤ thanks for being
Your speech gave me an idea, thanks.
So great, love this story
awesome! !!!!💜🔥🔥🔥
WOW! 'what a beautiful story!!!!!
What a wonderful and inspiring story! Congrats!
Wow what an absolutely amazing journey this is something we can all learn from and implement in our lives, thank you for your beautiful example , god bless :)
You stand all amazed at the love Jesus gave to you
Guess who is amazing the first word and the 8th word
Mormon James Veitch...
I like it.
This is great massage I like it. By the grace of God that is its.
I love this story. So Inspiring!!!
Love this ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Loves that story inspires me to do good things 🙏
Que hermosa historia. Ojalá todos podamos ser la respuesta a las oraciones de alguien más
Wow congratulations 👏👏👏
Wow look how inspirational I am
God Bless you Sir ❤️
I love these.
Wow, how beautiful ❤👍
Such impact from a simple act. I want to do this, but I don't know how. There aren't many people who need help, except for a family that's new to my ward and has moved close to it. I am more of a shy person and don't have many friends. It's hard to go up and talk to somebody. From this example, I'm actually hoping to help people that need help with friendship problems in my school. It comes from an idea I had a few years ago and I am still holding to it. I'm feeling confident that the example I will lay down on the chess board will stop others from things such as being so prideful and bully others off of a certain playground thing because they think it's theirs (The problem is better now, but not the pride).
I love the story , brother! I am from Liberia.
@@jephthahgatei1394 Thanks. I appreciate it, while still working up the courage.
i so love that story !! impressive
Beautiful message..
Thank you.
Please for anyone who doesn’t follow The church of Jesus Christ of ladder day saints please learn the gospel! heavenly father will love you through thick and thin! We are all a child of God so please learn his word and learn the gospel! ❤️
You’re like the spiritual James Veitch lol
That's what I thought!!
Awesome lesson
Amazing history! Watching this video brought me more hope about our world.
My heart goes out to the people who thumbs down this video.
dberker, right?
Joel reminds me of Solomon Nicholas of Caye Caulker Belize. Solomon was a saintly man.
Neat!! 😇
Wow! This is very inspiring! I just hope that there are more people out there who will take their chance on people like me. I can compare myself to Joe, I knew how hard it is to be in that situation.
Wow beautiful story lesson
It’s all about people, this is practice very intensely in Judaism relationships for success , without opening ourselves for relationships then Gods work can’t be manifest through us. That is serving God period.😅
Wow so interesting
Amazing story!
where can we send donations to be a part of this?
Thanks for sharing. Amazing story.
Remember, praise your neighbors, not simply Jesus. This is not a miraculous act of divine intervention spontaneously traveling through two people.
It was one person's basic human kindness and whatever your principles are, they are not the same as action. It takes YOU to consciously decide to care enough to decide to make a difference. Whether it be as Ben feels a call to be answered from prayer or something you simply notice. Most things you can do to help are never as obvious as this seems to have been (if you watched his videos) or play out so well.
It takes perseverance, suffering, work and love to be charitable. To understand and see just when you might be the answer to another's prayers.
So true , be the light that show the others the way through dark and it is Love of God keeps hopes alife yet fulfilled.
This was so great!
Magnificent!
Are you a real pastor Ben
Praise Jesus!
You are good man !!!
Great talk.
That was awesome
Thank you so much for this. xxxxxxx
VERY NICE STORY
One more awsome story
Our family is really in need of help.
Love it very inspiring but how do they get the email addresses. Amazing 🙏🏽🙌🏽
Hi brother spred our almighty God love to others
Hi its so touching this story. Indeed please may you assist me in any way how i can have such in my life. i have been running around try to make means meat but things are not coming up as i dream.
Wow
There are good people in the world! xxx
interesting
Thanks
Sir, I would like to say one thing you white people always good. That's why God blessed you a lot. I appreciate your work. God never ignore your help. Ravi from Indian Christian.
Do u have tee-shirts with the saying, "By d Grace of God" for sale? If u do, would u please send me the info so I can purchase 1 or 3...into my PM? I would appreciate ur help very much!! Peace and kindness be with u all
It's ironic how Ben Taylor starts with joke about spam mail from 'a Nigerian prince who wanted to share his inheritance' despite knowing many of these peoples are in clear need. He also did not believe Joel even when Joel proved he was ,in fact, a real person in need of equipment and opportunity. Taylor instead, intended to TRAP a spammer and LIED to Joel about a business he did not have. This anecdote is not of service, but one man was proved wrong despite his stereotypes. Moral of the Story: Judge less, love more and never lie. #LightTheWorld