Water - A Basic of Life

Last weekend, Dee and I watched the documentary FLOW, about water issues around the world, including here in the United States. Some of the most sobering scenes, however, were of people in developing nations gathered around filthy rivers and streams... bathing and drinking from water that will definitely have a negative health impact on their lives. We saw first hand how Mission of Mercy is helping children and their families have access to clean water.

In Cambodia, floating communities exist that move from place to place in order to make a living fishing. The water is muddy, but families use the lake for washing, drinking, as well as for toilets. The kids regularly have dysentery and sickness is common. Mission of Mercy provided each family with water purifiers - very basic protection. It has made a tremendous difference in their health, and the families are deeply grateful.

In Kenya, we helped provide clean water for a Masai project after bacteria was found in the water that was being drawn from a local well. Each family is provided with clean drinking water. Again, there's been a tremendous improvement in the health of children. These are small steps, but they make a difference for these families. There is so much more to do. That's why I deeply appreciate the people that support Mission of Mercy. It enables us to provide so many things for our children that they would not have access to otherwise - food, clothing, medical attention, educational opportunity - and hope through Christ.

I wanted to mention one more thing in this note. My youngest daughter, Emily, and her husband, Heath, had the chance to meet their sponsored child when our family went with others on a Mission Trip to Swaziland. She recently opened up a new business and within a couple months sponsored another child through her business. I'm proud of her for taking that step early on in the development of her business. Sponsorship does make a difference, right, Emily?

I also needed to mention this and put Emily's picture on my blog because my granddaughter Montana arrives tonight (with oldest daughter, Kate, of course). Emily knows that my next post will probably include photos of Montana, so she wants equal time! So, here you go Emily!! Thanks for sponsoring another child! And... watch out behind you!!