Exciting news! This Giving Tuesday, you can double your impact thanks to generous friends, including Tommy’s Express Car Wash and Benevolence LA, who will match all gifts up to $35,000!

Learn more about this match, along with other ways to support Water Mission through unique offers, by clicking the button below.

DOUBLE MY IMPACT

Giving Tuesday is here. Each year, we look forward to partnering with friends like you who empower families around the world with access to clean, safe water, and the hope of God’s love.  

As this day of generosity approaches, we pray for a world where everyone can access essential safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) resources. It’s a calling God has placed on the hearts of those partnering with safe water charity Water Mission. 

Right now, the need for WASH solutions remains urgent. More than 2.2 billion people lack access to safe water. More than 4.2 billion lack access to adequate sanitation. That means far too many men, women, and children lack treated clean water and safe spaces to use the bathroom. 

It is a daily battle, but there is hope. We invite you to be part of the solution today! 

What Would Giving Tuesday Look Like Without Safe Water? 

The world revolves around water. This vital resource quenches thirst, irrigates crops, generates electricity, and so much more. As you read this, you, your family, and your friends have relied on access to clean, safe water throughout the day. 

In developing countries, millions of women and children walk an average of three miles to collect water. Unfortunately, the water is often contaminated and leads to serious water-related illnesses. It is a devastating reality, but friends like you can help break the cycle. 

By partnering with Water Mission this Giving Tuesday, November 29, you will be: 

• Supporting sustainable access to safe water solutions. 
• Raising awareness about the global water crisis. 
• Saving lives and transforming communities around the world! 

On November 29, 2022, we invite you to celebrate Giving Tuesday by helping us end the global water crisis, share God’s love, and bless our global neighbors with the gift of safe water. 

Remember, when you give on Giving Tuesday, you can double your impact and reach even more people with safe water and the hope of God’s love!

DOUBLE MY IMPACT

Claim Your Giving Tuesday Gift Below

Learn more about this match, along with other ways to support Water Mission through unique offers, by clicking the button below.

Vapor Apparel—Use code WATERMISSION1129 at vaporapparel.com and receive a 10% discount on your purchase. Vapor Apparel will give 25% of proceeds during Giving Tuesday back to Water Mission to help provide safe water around the world. The offer ends Sunday, December 4, 2022.

Benevolence LA—Use code GIFTOFWATER at benevolencela.com for 10% off your purchase. Benevolence LA will give 10% of proceeds back to Water Mission to help provide safe water around the world. The offer expires on December 31, 2022.

The post Give Safe Water this Giving Tuesday appeared first on Water Mission.

Did you know that there are many unique ways to bless your global neighbors for generations to come? A planned gift can save lives today and leave a legacy of hope through safe and Living Water. It can also provide a significant opportunity to avoid capital gains tax or lower your taxable income. 

When planning your legacy, make an impact by:  

• Remembering Water Mission in your will or trust. 
• Designating Water Mission as a beneficiary of your life insurance policy or retirement plan. 
• Transferring appreciated stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. 
• Gifting real estate, stocks, mutual funds, or commodities through a donor advised fund.  

Consider deepening your partnership with Water Mission. Learn more at watermission.org/planned-giving or contact Dawn Ward at legacy@watermission.org.  

Have you already planned a gift through your will, trust, retirement plan, or insurance policy for the future of Water Mission? If so, please let us know so we can thank you! 

The post Leaving a Legacy appeared first on Water Mission.

God calls each of us to use our talent and treasure to serve others. Whether this means giving to certain causes, volunteering in our communities, or working at our jobs, these callings are unique and don’t necessarily fit a specific mold. 

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”

—1 Peter 4:10-11

For former college baseball player Kyle Hanlon, his passion is to help end the global water crisis that impacts 2.2 billion people. 

Hanlon partners with Water Mission to help provide safe water, sanitation, and hygiene solutions for people in developing countries, refugee camps, and disaster areas. In 2019, he joined professional baseball players Jason Standridge and Blaine Boyer to travel to Uganda with Water Mission. Former MLB player and current Water Mission staff member, Scott Linebrink, led the vision trip. The group visited the Bidibidi refugee settlement, where Hanlon witnessed the global water crisis in person for the first time.  

“Hearing the various stories that were shared with us [during the visit to Bidibidi], from villages being raided to young children and women being slaughtered—the things that these people are going through are absolutely unimaginable,” Hanlon shared. 

While the settlement now has reliable access to safe water, the stories he heard impacted him deeply.  

Many of the residents in Bidibidi sought refuge from South Sudan, a war-torn country that is still enduring turmoil and strife.  

“Before coming [to Bidibidi], I lost my child and my husband,” said Mary Yangi, a South Sudanese refugee living in Bidibidi. “After my husband died, I asked myself, ‘From here, what do I do?’ I had to be strong in my faith so I could manage.” 

So much of what refugees witness in their lifetime is laced with tragedy and sorrow. Through trauma healing seminars, Water Mission walks alongside those who are suffering to share God’s abundant love, grace, and healing power.  

“Being in the refugee settlement has been eye-opening—the dire need for necessities like water and shelter and how life-changing it is,” Hanlon said. “When we see these people with true joy for the access to clean and safe drinking water for the first time in their lives.” 

Hanlon first got involved with Water Mission through his family members, who are long-time friends of the safe water charity. The trip to Uganda in 2019 was “transformational” for him—moved by the faith of the individuals he met in Bidibidi. He later shared with us that days before being invited on the trip, he prayed that God would give him an opportunity to expand his faith. This trip was that opportunity. 

Today, Hanlon is heavily invested in the sanitation portion of our work, as nearly 4.2 billion lack access to a safe place to use the restroom. His prayerful support is making a difference.  

No matter where you may find yourself in this season of life, consider using your time, talent, and treasure to serve others with safe water and sanitation solutions. 

Learn more about how you can get involved at Water Mission at watermission.org/get-involved. 

GET INVOLVED

The post Using Your Time, Talent, and Treasure to Serve Others  appeared first on Water Mission.

On Saturday, March 26, more than 3,750 people participated in the 16th Annual Walk for Water at Riverfront Park in North Charleston, SC. Together, they raised more than $450,000 (and counting).  

Every day, millions of women and children walk more than three miles to collect water that is often contaminated and makes their families sick. The three-mile Walk for Water route represented the average distance people walk each day to collect water that can lead to water-related illnesses. Walkers carried empty buckets until the halfway point, filled them with water, and carried the full buckets the final 1.5 miles. 

Scroll on to see some highlights of this special event to raise awareness and fight the global water crisis. Thank you to those who dedicated their Saturday to helping bring clean, safe water to our global neighbors. We hope you’re already making plans to join us for the 2023 Walk for Water next year on Saturday, March 25, 2023. You can also visit walkforwater.com to find a Walk for Water near you or host one in your own community!  

GET INVOLVED

Even if you couldn’t join us at the Walk, there are many ways to go the extra mile with Water Mission. Consider coming alongside us, transforming lives by building health and hope. Visit watermission.org/get-involved to learn more.  

GET INVOLVED

The post 2022 Walk for Water at Riverfront Park  appeared first on Water Mission.

Last year, Water Mission launched a new, independent nonprofit, the Global Water Center. The Global Water Center’s purpose is to end the global water crisis by convening, training, and resourcing organizations and governments around global strategies and standards for safe water projects. 

In its first year, the Global Water Center deployed the Mobile Discovery Center to raise awareness and create advocates in cities around the United States through immersive, interactive activities. The traveling exhibit made 10 stops across the country, opening its doors to visitors in eight states within its first six months. 

The Global Water Center also launched a virtual learning platform this year to share best practices on a global scale with other safe water implementors.  

Finally, the Global Water Center began moving forward with developing a remote monitoring platform to serve the entire safe water, sanitation, and hygiene sector. Once completed, this platform will support accountability by allowing real-time remote access to safe water production.

Many partners enabled these successes, including Kohler, OxyChem, The Rockstad Foundation, and Seacoast Church. Water Mission was honored to support our collective mission by collaborating on events, marketing, and visuals. This year, we transferred all remaining restricted contributions for the Global Water Center to manage independently. This important step is noted in our 2021 Financials.

To learn more about the Global Water Center, please visit globalwatercenter.org. 

Give today

The post Global Water Center Update appeared first on Water Mission.

Water Mission is dedicated to developing and implementing best-in-class safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) solutions. This innovation is about more than developing stand-alone technologies or solutions. It’s also about innovating for continuous improvement, including collaborating within the sector to end the global water crisis. 

In 2021, in collaboration with UNICEF, Water Mission’s Innovation and Engineering Department continued to support a significant investment in training through the West Central Africa Region (WCAR) Solar Hub. Launched in 2020, the WCAR Solar Hub provides free technical support for any organization working on solar-powered water systems in the region. The ultimate goal is to scale sustainable, safe water production.  

To date, the WCAR Solar Hub has: 

• Responded to more than 75 support requests.
  
• Made more than 330 contacts from 90 UN agencies, NGOs, private sector organizations, and government offices in the region.   
  
• Conducted in-person workshops in Sierra Leone, Mali, Niger, and Mauritania for nearly 130 participants.  
• Conducted virtual classes in English and French on “Principles and Practices of Solar Powered Water Systems.” 

The impact of innovation expands when it is shared through training. As a part of the WCAR Solar Hub initiative, Water Mission engineers conducted in-person trainings for regional WASH implementers. The workshops included training on solar-powered pumping design and installation in the region.   

Our work through the WCAR Solar Hub expands on our collaboration with UNICEF that started in 2020 when we published “Solar Powered Water Systems Design and Installation Guide.” This first-of-its-kind resource provides detailed instruction for fulfilling the internationally recognized technical standards for implementing solar-powered water systems in rural contexts. It is available in English, Spanish, and French and hosted by the Global Water Center. With published standards and accessible training, we are equipping implementers to end the global water crisis. 

As we look to the future, we hope to scale our WCAR Solar Hub efforts as we recognize that implementing sustainable projects starts with education and training. This is a great example of the power of collaboration, which is a crucial part of ending the global water crisis. Our team is grateful to be a leader in this innovative partnership with UNICEF. 

Give today

The post The West Central Africa Region Solar Hub appeared first on Water Mission.

April 6 is the United Nations (UN) International Day of Sport for Development and Peace. This UN holiday honors sports’ positive influence.  

Former Major League Baseball pitcher, Jaime García, takes his role seriously as a spokesperson for sports, faith, and safe water. García grew up in Mexico near the border of Texas. He made his career debut in a 2008 Cardinals game and spent the next decade pitching for different teams, including the Atlanta Braves, before retiring in 2019. 

During a Professional Athlete Outreach conference, former MLB player and current Water Mission Partnerships Director, Scott Linebrink, discussed the global water crisis. García heard Linebrink share about Water Mission’s efforts to build safe water solutions in developing countries, refugee camps, and disaster areas. Linebrink also shared that when communities witness Water Mission working to provide safe water for them in the name of the Lord, it opens doors to share the gospel.   

García is now a dedicated Water Mission partner, and his generosity has helped bring safe water and the Living Water message of Jesus Christ to communities throughout Chiapas, Mexico. In late 2021, García visited Water Mission’s Mexico office. While there, he spread a message of hope to young baseball players, local church members, and a community that had received safe water. 

When García talked to residents of communities in need of safe water in Mexico, he offered inspiration as someone with a similar story to them. It’s important for children to recognize themselves in the professional athletes they follow, teachers they learn from, and books they read. García knows that when he shares about faith, inner healing, and becoming more like Christ, his words carry weight. That’s why he recently spoke at these three events in Chiapas on behalf of Water Mission. 

First, García attended a youth baseball tournament. Players, families, and local dignitaries listened eagerly as García shared about his life’s purpose and working hard to achieve it. 

He asked the children, “What dreams do you have for your life? Do any of you want to be professional baseball players?” 

García urged members of the crowd to build a personal relationship with Jesus Christ instead of simply following a religion. Afterward, he took time to shake hands and take photos with the players. The organizers even asked García to throw the first pitch of the tournament. The young athletes were inspired to meet an athlete from their own country who led a successful career and has a strong Christian faith. 

The following Sunday, a church service was held at Water Mission’s office in Mexico. García then spoke about how faith makes way for inner healing, with several references to his own life’s testimony. 

Finally, García joined Water Mission staff traveling to Sitalá, where Water Mission is installing a new safe water system. The team drove two and half hours through the mountains to reach this remote town in one of the poorest municipalities in Chiapas, a coffee-growing region. For a long time, the men, women, and children who live in Sitalá have been some of the 2.2 billion people around the world who lack access to safe water. When this project is finished, safe water will flow freely for all 10,000 residents, helping them avoid water-related illnesses and stay healthy. 

García had lunch with the municipal mayor before Water Mission hosted a basketball tournament as an outreach event for the community. Teams of extended family members and public works employees gathered to play, chatting with García and taking photos after. Water Mission staff shared about the safe water project, and García testified once more about faith in Christ. 

García’s support of Water Mission has built a legacy in Chiapas that will last for years. His heart for service is changing lives through safe water while also having a Kingdom impact by spreading the gospel message. 

Consider how you might also use your voice and influence to serve men, women, and children around the world. Visit watermission.org/get-involved for ideas. 

GET INVOLVED 

The post Jaime García Helps Share Safe Water and God’s Love in Mexico  appeared first on Water Mission.

Jason Standridge launched his Major League Baseball (MLB) career with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2001 before playing with the Texas Rangers, Cincinnati Reds, and the Kansas City Royals. He then signed with the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks in 2007 and spent most of the following decade in Japan, where he played for both of the country’s leagues. 

Standridge knows that his unique career path and family life are part of God’s plan. Christian athletes like Standridge often find a connection between their love of the game and their love for the Lord. He aims to show God’s love by how he lives, speaks, and plays ball. 

One way Standridge lives out his faith is through his involvement with Water Mission. In 2019, he joined former MLB players Scott Linebrink and Blaine Boyer and visited the Bidibidi refugee settlement in Uganda with the safe water charity. While in Bidibidi, he was struck by the hardships the refugees had endured. 

“Seeing the tangible work going on here and the people who are suffering, I start to ask myself, ‘What can I do personally to be able to support what Water Mission is doing here on the ground?’ ”

– Jason Standridge, former MLB pitcher 

Of the 2.2 billion people in the world who lack access to safe water, refugees are among those most impacted. Many Bidibidi residents fled civil war in their home countries and walked more than 15 days to reach the camp. Globally, people remain in refugee camps for an average of more than 10 years, and water can be scarce and unsafe. But Water Mission is dedicated to building safe water solutions, equipping local staff members, offering trauma healing, and sharing the Living Water of Jesus Christ with the refugees. 

In Uganda, Standridge heard firsthand the stories of how safe water transformed refugees’ lives. He also saw how meeting people’s physical needs provide a way to share God’s love and make an eternal impact. 

“Being able to go around to each tap stand—it is a source of life,” he says. “Water Mission has done an unbelievable job of bringing that to [refugees].” 

Standridge and his wife, Joy, support Water Mission as one way to advance the work of the Kingdom. If you also feel called to serve your global neighbors through safe and Living Water, consider coming alongside us in this mission!  

Give Today

The post MLB Pitcher Jason Standridge Brings God’s Love to Refugees in Uganda through Safe Water appeared first on Water Mission.

2.2 billion people around the world still need access to safe water—and Water Mission is committed to fighting the global water crisis. But we are not fighting alone.  

We are thankful for businesses that choose to serve those in need of safe water by raising awareness and funds. Read on to learn about five of the companies that have chosen to come alongside Water Mission to fight the global water crisis.  

Tommy’s Express Car Wash 

Tommy’s Express Car Wash knows that we can all do our part to help fight the global water crisis. This is why every Tommy’s Express location uses advanced water reclamation technology to safely clean vehicles while conserving water, using less water than washing a car at home.

It is also why Tommy’s Express supports Water Mission as it builds sustainable safe water solutions in developing countries and disaster areas. 

Since 2001, Water Mission has served more than 7 million people around the world. We are so grateful that Tommy’s Express has chosen to help conserve resources and serve its global neighbors! 

Summer House Realty 

Summer House is a real estate brokerage whose agents match families with the property and location of their dreams. They also know that, for millions of families around the world, dreams begin with access to safe water. This precious resource builds health, hope, and homes. So, Summer House dedicates a portion of the company’s commissions to help Water Mission build safe water solutions that open doors to education and economic opportunity.  

The Summer House team also travels to Charleston, SC, every spring to visit Water Mission’s headquarters. We welcome anyone to tour our North Charleston headquarters. Summer House’s visit is a team-building experience steeped in meaningful learning. We share about the work Water Mission is doing—and especially how Summer House’s generosity is impacting their brothers and sisters in need.  

“Summer House believes that when you work with the mentality that it is not about you, but about others, you will always be successful and have an energy and joy knowing that your work goes further…. The more we grow, the more we can give back.”  

Danley Sound Labs 

Danley Sound Labs exists to find favor and a good name in the sight of God and man through innovative loudspeaker solutions. Partnering with Water Mission to bring best-in-class, innovative safe water solutions to hard-to-reach communities is a natural outworking of Danley Sound Lab’s mission.  

A percentage of Danley’s revenue is forwarded to Water Mission quarterly to help serve our global neighbors by fighting the global water crisis. Danley also partners with us by raising awareness. An information card is included with each loudspeaker shipment expressing thanks to clients for helping provide safe water through Water Mission. The card contains a QR code that leads to the Water Mission website.  

We are thankful that Danley Sound Labs uses its resources and influence to bless men, women, and children around the world! 

Benevolence LA 

Benevolence LA is an online boutique selling jewelry and home décor. The company partners with Water Mission to save lives and transform communities around the world with access to safe water.  

A portion of the sales from its Water Mission collection is donated to our efforts to sustainable safe water access. They have even designed a premium blanket, made by traditional artisans in Mexico, called “Agua Azul” in honor of Water Mission’s work. 

“To accomplish our work around the world, we partner with nonprofits who are incredible at what they do. We connect with attainable goals, like funding clean water systems, education for marginalized females, savings groups, awareness campaigns for human trafficking, and movie magic for terminally ill children.”  

FreeFly Apparel  

FreeFly Apparel, our neighbor here in Charleston, is an apparel company that sells outdoor gear online. Owners Austin Elliot, Jenna Elliot, and Tanner Sutton “grew up outside with fishing rods in hand.” After leaving their careers for a simpler life, they built a family business that celebrates life on the water. It was a natural step to extend that passion for water to a desire that their global brothers and sisters have access to safe water. 

FreeFly Apparel has partnered with Water Mission to help build sustainable safe water solutions in developing countries and disaster areas. We are so thankful for their support of our disaster response and resiliency effort in The Bahamas. 

***  

We’re so grateful for the many companies that have chosen to come alongside Water Mission. Contact us to learn more about how you can partner with Water Mission. 

GET INVOLVED 

The post Partners for Safe Water  appeared first on Water Mission.

Since 2001, supporters like you have helped Water Mission serve more than 7 million people across 57 countries with lasting safe water, sanitation, and hygiene solutions. More importantly, the Living Water message has brought hope and transformed lives around the world. The following timeline highlights key milestones of the Water Mission story you have helped make possible.

The post 20 Years of Transforming Lives appeared first on Water Mission.