University alumnus Matt Turner has saved hundreds of lives. He’s not a doctor or nurse or paramedic. Instead, he purifies water and is leading a new movement in nonprofits.

Turner co-founded Defy Thirst, a nonprofit keen on rescuing communities from malnutrition in Ghana, Haiti and Ecuador. What began as a charity to implement water filtration systems in developing countries has flourished into a philanthropy so ambitious Turner has mapped out his life plans.

“We commit 20 years to every community that we work in,” Turner said. “When you go to a developing country and you meet a 3-year-old kid that doesn’t have parents, lives on the street in the rain, picks up leftover scraps and has to fight with goats and chickens for it to eat — you know you make a difference in his survival.”

Photo courtesy of MATT TURNER

Defy Thirst purifies drinking water, making it safe, cheap and available to natives in developing countries.

Since its founding, the mission has expanded to include seven divisions of relief, including emergency refuge, economic development, children’s education and environmental improvement.

Turner fights against foreign deficiencies and apathy toward communities that are particularly in need.

The umbrella organization became known as Defiant Missions.

“I think the most powerful things you’re going to see when you go into these settings are kids,” Turner said.

“Kids everywhere the world over are the same. They all smile. They all have hope. They all want to hold your hand. All they want is to be loved.”

Soccer games with children have been one of Turner’s fondest memories from his time spent working in Haiti.

“With sports, it can bridge so many gaps and build friendships and it means a lot to kids for you to come to their home and be willing to engage them there,” he said.

Turner said sports can provide an alternative to gang violence, drugs and other crime.

“We can’t get them the education they really need, but we can spend time with them working on their life goals and teaching them that they do have something to hope for,” he said. “The phrase ‘making a difference’ has kind of been tossed around so much that it doesn’t really have that much meaning anymore, but I really feel like I’m making a difference, and for our donors, I’m being the tool for them making a difference.”

Defiant Missions’ goals go beyond a single and timely mission.

Some of its achievements in Deuxieme Plaine, Haiti thus far include building two homes, establishing medical clinics, providing eight water filters and launching four youth soccer teams.

What Turner and Defiant Missions co-founder Stephen Dupuis call “The Total Community Intervention Concept,” Haiti native Fritznel Elvéus calls a godsend.

“I think this is so great of [Turner]. He decided to do something that many of the people there haven’t been doing,” Elvéus said. “We thank God for the blessing.”

Elvéus, who moved to the United States several years ago to be with his wife Monica — a missionary he met while living in Haiti — said the reconstruction in Haiti is still not visible enough.

“Nothing changed to me,” he said, referring to the two times he visited Haiti since the earthquake. “As far as construction, it’s like the earthquake just happened. Even before the earthquake, we had nothing. We never had running water or electricity.”

The need for a stable, long-term project in Haiti is dire, Elvéus said.

Defiant Missions has vowed to stay involved in Deuxieme Plaine for as long as two more decades, with plans to build the community’s first formal school and community center. The population of Deuxieme Plaine is 8,000.

Dupuis, a graduate of Valdosta State University, said his last trip to Haiti made him want to work harder.

His friendship with Turner is rooted in the same passion.

The, two met at a Christian summer camp while still in college — both idealists, both admittedly naïve about saving the world.

“When he’d take off [work], I’d take off too and we would just talk about our dreams and goals and ambitions,” Dupuis said.

A year later, the graduates started a water and sanitation system funded by various investments in small businesses.

Little did they know, one of the businesses, a photography company, would assist in Defy Thirst’s mission.

Though Turner declined being identified as an anthropologist, journal entries, photography and cultural research is integral to each of their missions abroad.

“We show people where their money is going,” Turner said. “One of our main things is to make sure people get bang for their buck. We want people to feel like they are the ones doing this and we’re kind of just the instrument to accomplish that for them.”

However, Turner realized with broader goals comes more responsibility. And more responsibility requires money for the project.

Turner and Dupuis went skydiving Thursday to raise money for their work.

The dare was posed by a donor that posted on Defiant Challenge, an initiative in which Turner and Dupuis complete tasks in exchange for financial contributions.

“We’re staying away from illegal things,” Turner said. “But we’re willing to do just about anything.”

The two say they plan to walk on coals and endure the pain of being tasered in the near future, but ask fans to steer clear from asking them to digest insects.

“One of our slogans is ‘expect more out of life,’” Turner said. “A lot of people get caught up in the rat race, in particularly right after you graduate from college, and we’re fortunate enough to not be in that hole.”

Who: Defiant Missions

What: Volunteer opportunities in Haiti

When: Dec. 16 – 23 and Dec. 27 – Jan. 2

More Information:

http://defythirst.org

Trip expenses: $1,300