Missional Monday :: Blood:Water Mission
Today I want to start a new series. I don't know how long I'll feature this, but for the time being I thought it might be helpful. Due to the advent of technology, we can now serve others around the world in tremendous new ways. Although mission trips and living missionaly in your own context are still incredibly important, through the increase of technology we can now stay right where we are and serve literally millions of people around the world. Each Monday I want to try and highlight a different organization or ministry that God seems to be using in unique ways. I'll produce a brief article, including ways for you to be involved, and then I'll add a banner in the sidebar to the right which can direct you to more information.
This week we want to begin by highlighting "blood:water mission". b:wm is an organization originally started by Jars of Clay which seeks to fight the AID's pandemic, as well as the lack of clean water, which is rapidly destroying much of the African continent. Through efforts to provide clean water and better health b:wm is working diligently to push back the horrendous problem of premature death. What's unique about b:wm is how little it takes to be involved. For just $1 you can provide clean water for someone on the continent of Africa for an entire year. For just $10 you can offer them clean water for the rest of their life.
Here is what their website says about their efforts:
IT’S A BEAUTIFUL STORY. We’re a group of passionate people who have been inspired by our friends in Africa, friends who face unbearable challenges from the HIV/AIDS and water crises. We creatively and thoughtfully raise awareness and the necessary funds for the provision of clean blood and clean water in sub-Saharan Africa.
Founded by the multi-platinum, GRAMMY Award-winning band, Jars of Clay, Blood:Water Mission began as a call to personalize the HIV/AIDS crisis in Africa. The members of the band were committed to share the often-untold stories: those of creative, compassionate, hard-working Africans bringing health, hope and healing into their respective communities.
Blood:Water Mission first stepped into funding a late stage AIDS hospice and discovered the vital link between living with HIV/AIDS and the need for clean water. As a result, Blood:Water Mission launched the 1000 Wells Project in 2005 as a nation-wide effort to raise enough money to provide clean water and sanitation to 1000 communities in sub-Saharan Africa based on the equation that $1 provides one African with clean water for an entire year.
Since its launch, Blood:Water Mission has raised millions of dollars from individuals seeking to make a difference. We have partnered with more than 600 communities in Africa, providing life-saving water and health needs for almost 500,000 people. Along the way the 1000 Wells Project has expanded wholistically to include a variety of clean water solutions and sanitation and hygiene training, as well as funding health clinics, community health workers, and support groups, which help in the prevention, treatment, care and support of communities affected by AIDS. We are beginning to incorporate HIV/AIDS-specific programming alongside ongoing water programming in 2009 and onwards.
The results of our efforts paint a new picture in these communities. Village leaders have the resources and training to bring clean water, sanitation and healthcare into their communities. Stomach aches, skin diseases and diarrhea have disappeared. Women and children no longer walk several miles a day to carry filthy water. Those with HIV are living longer, stronger lives.
We know these communities. We are connected to them. And through these relationships, we are being transformed, too. Blood:Water Mission’s movement engages Americans in social justice, worldview development and thoughtful action. We invite others to be a small part of a larger, beautiful story.
To get involved, click here.