A Legacy of Caring
Getting to Know Jack Vetter, WorldServe Board of Director
From his Omaha office, Jack Vetter oversees long-term elderly care facilities in five Midwestern states. These nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and retirement communities are in 32 locations. Nearly 2,800 employees care for the elderly people occupying the 2,500 beds of Vetter Health Services.
But Jack Vetter’s reputation for caring extends far beyond this impressive five-state reach. On the eastern coast of Africa, large trucks with the Vetter logo imprinted on the side rumble along unpaved roads carrying water well drilling equipment. Thanks to contributions from The Vetter Foundation - a charitable foundation set up by Jack and his wife, Eldora - one deep-capacity drilling rig and two service trucks were given for water projects.
These generous equipment donations are one of many demonstrations of the Vetter commitment to help less fortunate people.
Jack’s important role in providing clean water began five years ago. After completing a Bible college building project in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Jack learned more about WorldServe from President John Bongiorno. “I had heard of WorldServe and liked what it stood for,” Jack said. “I liked that it was able to move very quickly on projects it wanted to do.”
The launch of Maji-Tech (WorldServe’s borehole drilling partner) began around the same time. Jack said, “It intrigued me because I have a very rural background. I know about ranching, irrigation, and wells. I’ve also gone on many African hunting safaris over the last 30 years. These trips have shown me what it’s like when they have droughts. I’ve seen people using stagnant water pools. It pulled on my heart strings so I became involved.”
His involvement grew quickly. He joined the WorldServe Board of Directors, and also became Chairman of the Board for Maji-Tech. As a business guided by Christian principles and priorities, Jack likes the fact that evangelism and church planting naturally accompany Maji-Tech’s water projects. “When you give water to people that have not had water their entire lives, they see water for quenching thirst as a powerful way to understand the Gospel. It’s an automatic tie to understanding salvation.” Past projects have shown that communities receiving water wells are receptive to the Gospel. It is typical for the community to invite the water providers to stay, build a church, and become a vital part of the village. Sometimes the believers can do even more with the well, offering economic help so the community sustains a higher level of life.
This is the fulfillment of a life-long dream and commitment for Jack Vetter. From the time he became a born-again Christian in his early 20s, Jack and Eldora enjoyed supporting missions. They decided that as their company grew, they would consistently set aside 10 percent of the profits for mission work as well as educational scholarships related to elderly care.
“For those reasons,” Jack said, “we put together The Vetter Foundation, which is a 501(c)3 private corporation. It enables us to support mission projects, benevolent works, and local projects.”
For Jack, choosing to respond to the need for water is an easy choice. “When you see people without water, or walking for miles to get any access to water, and kids dying of lack of sanitation…. I just feel that I can help relieve some of that thirst for water. I believe little by little, we can make a big difference in people’s lives. It’s a chance not just to give people water for sustained life, but also to preach the Gospel to them and give them hope.
“I think God asks or leads people to do different things. Not every believer will necessarily be in water wells, or be a teacher, or a minister. But I think He asks us each to do certain things in life. I enjoy helping to provide water wells, and I believe it’s what God wants me to do.”
For those who want to join in providing clean water, Jack has some suggestions. After Maji-Tech drills a water well, a distribution plan must be developed. This allows the water to support local agricultural projects, schools, clinics, and business enterprises. “We need people who are knowledgeable about agriculture or business to be involved with WorldServe. Also, as churches grow, we need support for training ministers through the Bible colleges. And finally, we need good fundraisers. It’s expensive to buy the equipment to keep the guys on the road drilling wells. We need to make sure there are ample donated dollars and revenue coming in to keep the project moving forward.”
While keeping these many projects moving forward – drilling water wells in Africa and providing high-quality care to aging people in the United States – Jack Vetter always abides by the Vetter Health Services motto, Dignity in Life. It is a commitment the Vetters take very seriously. Just ask the thousands and thousands of people who have benefited from the Vetter legacy of caring.
Jack and Eldora reside in Omaha and worship with Pacific Springs Church. They have three children – two sons and a daughter. The Vetters also have nine grandchildren, all living within a 50 mile radius of Omaha to the delight of their grandparents.
Questions or comments? Email info@worldserveintl.org.