Ben Heppner is recognized as the finest dramatic tenor before the public today. He has been recorded by every major international recording label and is now an exclusive artist for Deutsche Grammophon, which recently released his CD of songs of Tosti, entitled Ideale. This season Mr. Heppner is performing many solo concerts and reviving many of his famous operatic portrayals in New York, London and Europe.

Within the clamor of operatic fame and notoriety, Mr. Heppner remains a humble man, delighted with the opportunity to entertain as well as to impact lives.

We spoke to him about his relationship with MEDA.

How were you first introduced to MEDA?

My first experience with MEDA was through members, specifically Arthur Block who is a friend and mentor. Art's association with MEDA tells me of the quality of the organization. I knew several others who were members of MEDA. Then I had the opportunity to put together a concert with them and got to know them better.

Many of the clients we work with have a simple business dream - to start a tortilla shop or an embroidery business. They struggle to make their dream a reality. How can North Americans relate?

Beginning a career in music is difficult - a dream really. My own journey has seasons of struggle. There's a list of things that helped us through: supportive friends and all those things, from an emotional point of view. My wife and I worked together and economically kept the wolves away from the door. My primary source of sustenance was my faith during those times. I think I would review, if not every weekend, probably once a month, whether I should keep going.

You've talked in an interview about feeling like the Israelites in the desert during some of these times. Tell me more...

It's interesting, because some people misunderstand that...the church I was going to at that time where I was involved as a worship leader asked me if it was that bad. We don't like to think of a desert as a good place to be. But the desert times were absolutely necessary. I needed time to mature and grow, spiritually, emotionally and vocally. If I can use the comparison of the children of Israel: they weren't ready for their end destination yet and I don't think I was either. So, the desert was the most perfect time. I certainly felt like I received water and manna on a regular basis. The desert was a gift of time to go through an experience when there really wasn't a destination possible. That was truly a great gift.

What advice would you give a struggling entrepreneur with a dream?

What can I offer somebody who has to deal with the political upheavals in Nicaragua or some of the other places where you might be doing your micro-loans? I couldn't imagine what some of these courageous people in politically sensitive areas go through. They are amazing. I'd encourage them to keep on doing what they're doing...cause it's going to work.

One of the challenges MEDA faces is passing our values on to the next generation. You have 3 children of your own. How do you think MEDA can engage the next generation in our work?

I would have to give a lot of credit to my wife Karen to passing on the idea of giving to one's community.

Example is a big thing. But also encouraging them...for example, we just boldly stated to each of them that they were now 13 and they should by next year be engaged in some sort of service activity. They could choose, but they needed to be involved on a regular basis. All of our kids seem to have an incredible, a heart-felt desire to help the disadvantaged.

How did you get those values?

Well, I wasn't raised Mennonite, but my parents and the community that I was in gave me that desire. During my university years I started to sense that I would give of my time and my money.

What is the most compelling part of MEDA for you?

I like the micro-loans idea. I saw that MEDA had a really well developed program...And I also ended up talking to someone who was fairly high up in another microfinance organization and he praised MEDA's integrity. Micro-loans seem like such a practical way to help an individual.

In the beginning of the interview, you talked about Arthur Block. How did he influence your life?

Wow! I know that he doesn't talk about the ways he helps people - but he was instrumental in helping develop my career. He came to the Vancouver Opera years ago when he heard I was coming. He wanted to make a donation to me - he simply said: "I want to give him the same amount of money as he is making." They wanted to of course really recognize him. But he was very reluctant. That speaks so highly of him.

He came to me and asked if I would need some money to go and pursue my career. I kind of filed that in the back of my head then, when the opportunity came up, I put together a budget and shared it with him. He supported me. When I asked him how to repay him, he said, "Go and do thou likewise." That really impacted my life!