World Water Day 2021

Imagine walking for several miles a day simply to collect water from a source that isn’t clean. For the majority of people living in the United States, access to clean water is not something we think about on a daily basis. However, for 785 million people around the world, access to clean water is scarce. The lack of clean water access impacts individuals in many ways. Each year nearly one million people die as a result of unclean water.

However, there is hope. Through WMU’s Compassion Ministry Pure, Water, Pure Love, many around the world are able to have access to clean water resources and hear about the Living Water, Jesus Christ. In 2020, WMU provided 863 water filters and replacements to those serving overseas through Pure Water, Pure Love. In addition, WMU awarded more than $226,000 in Pure Water, Pure Love grants to supply clean water resources through SBC Send Relief in Cuba, Ghana, Haiti, India, Kenya, Liberia, North Africa, Pakistan, Rwanda, and Uganda.

For a ministry in Liberia, access to clean water has provided the opportunity for young men and women to gain the skills they need and to hear the gospel. “The Lord is using the well in the vocational school. Young men and women from orphanages around Liberia come to the camp to learn life skills and hear the gospel! Water is even used in the garden. We are grateful for this gift and is indeed also helping to give water to the villagers during this dry season period in Liberia.”

For families serving overseas, access to clean water is necessary in order for them to stay healthy as they serve. One family shares, “Thank you for providing us with water filters as we serve overseas. Knowing that our family will have access to clean water takes away the burden and worry of sickness related to water issues.”

World Water Day is March 22. Consider how you could be involved in providing access to clean water throughout the world. Visit wmu.com/pwpl to take an online minicourse about the ministry, find resources to share about PWPL with others, and support the ministry.

Facts taken from water.org.