Few people can understand the pain and suffering refugees experience when forced from their homes. Whether fleeing from violence, natural disasters, or other traumatic events, families leave their lives behind in search of safety. 

The emotional burden is heavy, leaving mothers like Mary heartbroken and angry. She is a refugee from South Sudan, a nation that has endured years of violence and turmoil.

“I lost two of my children to the hopeless war,” Mary shared with our team. “I came to the [refugee] settlement with negative thoughts and bitter hate in my heart.” 

This level of trauma can destroy families, faith, self-worth, and, most importantly, a connection to God. If not addressed, trauma can be a mortal wound to the soul and create a barrier to hearing the gospel. 

“I told my elder children to join a militia group and kill any [rival group member] they could find,” Mary continued. “I cannot imagine how much pain they have caused others.” 

Water Mission’s ministry work in refugee communities focuses on physical and spiritual restoration. We meet physical needs by providing clean, safe water and spiritual needs through sharing the Living Water of Jesus Christ.  

In partnership with Concordia Lutheran Ministries, Water Mission is involved in the Northern Uganda Refugee Trauma Healing Project. This biblically based initiative promotes forgiveness and reconciliation.  

Facilitators encouraged refugees to take their pain to Christ, who died on the cross for our sin and everything sin brings with it: death, pain, sickness, conflict, and abuse. The training focuses on helping refugees who have gone through horrific experiences start a grieving process. The goal is that refugees experience healing and can begin to rebuild their lives and communities. The goal is to comfort those who mourn and heal the brokenhearted. 

A total of 150 church leaders were equipped during this training in March. They learned to facilitate trauma healing in their church communities and are actively sharing through their churches in both corporate worship and small group bible studies.  

As these church leaders bless their communities, refugees like Mary are experiencing Christ’s restoration.  

“This conference has made a difference in me,” Mary shared, telling us that she plans to call her children home from fighting with the militia.  

Walking alongside refugees as they grieve and process pain is essential to trauma healing. Such restoration allows individuals to express their feelings openly to God, encourages refugees to rely on Christ, and equips them with resources to help others heal.  

GIVE SAFE WATER

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This article below appears as it does in the print edition of the Summer 2022 Newsletter. For the latest updates on Water Mission’s crisis response in Ukraine, click here. 

The conflict in Ukraine has left more than 6 million people in Ukraine struggling to access safe water. Without reliable water sources for their families, people have resorted to desperate measures, often filling buckets, gas cans, and plastic bags with unsafe water from streams and waterways.  

Water Mission is on the ground working to meet safe water, sanitation, and hygiene needs. We have shipped emergency water treatment equipment and water purification supplies to get safe water flowing in multiple cities in Ukraine. We are also distributing hygiene kits for refugees and those displaced inside Ukraine to help people stay healthy.  

“These hygiene kits are small boxes of hope,” says Craig Williams from our Partnerships and Emergency Coordination team. “They contain basic sanitary supplies—toilet paper, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap—and are sent into Ukraine for women and children who have fled their homes. These supplies can make their lives easier.”  

We continue to partner with local churches to address physical and spiritual needs, bringing the reassurance of God’s love to those who have experienced tremendous loss. Our local church partners share stories of refugees, young and old, who have given their lives to Christ after witnessing how Christians are serving in His name.   

“Your God will be my God,” a 67-year-old Ukrainian refugee shared about her salvation, “because what you’ve done for me, the care and love you’ve shown, is more than I ever expected from people that are not my people, in a country that’s not mine.” 

Please pray for the men, women, and children of Ukraine. Pray also for our team working in Ukraine and the surrounding region; may God protect and guide them in this vital service. May we continue to bring hope to our global neighbors in their time of greatest need, serving as an example of our Lord’s great love. No matter how great the need, our God’s love is greater.    

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In honor of World Refugee Day, we are publishing this story from the Water Mission 2022 Summer Newsletter on June 20. This year, World Refugee Day focuses on every person’s right to seek safety. We are honored to provide those seeking safety with one of life’s most important resources, safe water. 

“World Refugee Day is an international day designated by the United Nations to honour refugees around the globe. It falls each year on June 20 and celebrates the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution. World Refugee Day is an occasion to build empathy and understanding for their plight and to recognize their resilience in rebuilding their lives.”

—UNHCR 

Dzaleka refugee camp lies just north of Water Mission’s office in Lilongwe, Malawi. Built in the late-1990s, the settlement provided refuge to thousands of people fleeing violence in Burundi, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. At the time, its capacity was between 10,000 and 14,000 people. With a recent influx of refugees, Dzaleka now houses more than four times that number of people. Because of this, the camp infrastructure is stretched beyond capacity. 

With the steadily rising population in Dzaleka, one of the biggest concerns was access to safe water. Safe, treated water is essential to prevent the spread of waterborne illnesses in refugee camps. It also provides the foundation for supporting other critical services, such as food distribution and medical-related needs. 

Because of our proven track record of building best-in-class safe water solutions in other refugee settings, we were invited to assess the situation in Dzaleka. We then provided our recommendations to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).   

“As part of our initial assessment, we identified that there was no water treatment happening in the camp,” shared Nathan Schneider, Water Mission’s project manager for East Africa. 

Because even clear water can contain deadly bacteria and other contaminants, Water Mission’s report to UNHCR recommended improvements to the water systems, including the addition of residual chlorine dosing systems. On December 8, Water Mission was asked to move forward with implementing our recommendations. Because safe water saves lives, we mobilized quickly and, within just a few weeks, completed the system upgrades. 

“It was a short time to execute,” Nathan said, “but the Malawi team worked through the Christmas holiday to ensure this project was done well.”  

Our team retrofitted existing water systems with erosion chlorinators to treat the water. The safe, treated water is then distributed to men, women, and children in the settlement. This project serves more than 25,000 people and is the first verified safe water solution in Dzaleka.  

Appropriate engineering design takes into account geographical and cultural context, as well as supply chain limitations. The chlorination systems we installed in Dzaleka are ideal for rural settings because they do not require electricity, are easily transported, and are simple to operate.  

Water Mission first started working with refugees in 2013, and today has major initiatives supporting refugees in Western Tanzania and Northern Uganda. With the Lord’s provision and because of faithful partners who come alongside us, we have provided safe water, sanitation, and hygiene solutions for hundreds of thousands of refugees. 

Water Mission is honored to work with UNHCR and Welthungerhilfe to fight the global water crisis and serve refugees. According to UNHCR, there are more than 84 million forcibly displaced people worldwide—a devastating statistic that continues to grow each year. 

Serving in vulnerable communities like Dzaleka is an incredible opportunity to show God’s love to our neighbors. By providing one of life’s most important resources, safe water, we can help refugees have a chance to lead healthier and more prosperous lives. 

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May 6, 2022

Ukrainian news report shares about Water Mission’s safe water systems arriving to get water flowing (in Ukrainian with English subtitles).

The escalating conflict in Ukraine has left more than 6 million people in Ukraine struggling to access safe water. Water Mission is on the ground working to meet safe water, sanitation, and hygiene needs. We have sent emergency water treatment equipment and water purification supplies to get safe water flowing for men, women, and children. Water Mission is currently one of few nonprofits producing water in multiple cities in Ukraine.    

We are also distributing hygiene kits for refugees and those inside Ukraine to help people stay healthy amid crowded conditions. We continue to partner with local churches to address physical and spiritual needs, bringing the reassurance of God’s love to those who have experienced tremendous loss. 

Moved by the plight of our brothers and sisters, former Major League Baseball player, Adam LaRoche, has generously offered to match all gifts to Water Mission’s Ukraine response, up to $125,000, through his foundation, E3. 

Please pray for the men, women, and children of Ukraine. Pray also for our team working in Ukraine and the surrounding region to get safe water flowing; may God protect and guide them in this vital service. May we continue to bring hope to our global neighbors in their time of greatest need, serving as an example of our Lord’s great love. No matter how great the need, our God’s love is greater. 

Double your impact by supporting Water Mission’s relief efforts during this generous match by clicking the button below. 

GIVE TODAY

April 27, 2022  

The escalating conflict in Ukraine has triggered an exodus of people seeking refuge elsewhere in the region. Tragically, more than 3 million Ukrainians have been forced to flee, and the vast majority of these refugees are women and children.  

Water Mission has been on the ground serving refugees in Eastern Europe since the first days of the crisis. We are partnering with local churches and civic groups to help with evacuations and meet physical needs, such as safe water, sanitation, hygiene, meals, shelter, and more. We are also working to meet emotional needs, bringing the hope of God’s love to those who have experienced tremendous loss. We are printing Bibles in Ukrainian and providing biblical trauma healing resources for people still in Ukraine, refugees, and church leaders ministering to those impacted by the crisis.  

Thanks to generous friends like you, we are thrilled to have met an initial $50,000 match. On March 21, two more generous partners promised to match an additional $125,000 in gifts to our Ukraine response. If you have been considering blessing those displaced by the crisis in Ukraine, please consider doubling your impact today. Your gift will bring hope amid this heartbreaking tragedy.  

In addition to meeting physical and emotional needs, your gift helps us provide emergency safe water systems and technical expertise to our partners serving displaced people in Ukraine. We are also coordinating with other aid organizations to prepare for recovery efforts, such as repairing municipal water systems, once the conflict ends.  

Water Mission is a safe water charity with more than 20 years of experience responding to natural disasters and humanitarian crises. We’ve served hundreds of thousands of refugees in Tanzania, Uganda, and Malawi. In each response, our team is there to reassure survivors that God is with them.  

GIVE TODAY

March 21, 2022 

More than 3 million Ukrainians have been forced to flee Ukraine in the last 20 days due to the escalating conflict, according to the UN’s International Organization for Migration. That’s more than 150,000 people per day—and the vast majority of these refugees are women and children.  

Water Mission has been on the ground serving refugees in Eastern Europe since the first days of the crisis. We are partnering with local churches and civic groups to help with evacuations and meet physical needs, such as safe water, sanitation, hygiene, meals, shelter, and more. We are also working to meet emotional needs, bringing the hope of God’s love to those who have experienced tremendous loss. We are printing Bibles in Ukrainian and providing biblical trauma healing resources for people still in Ukraine, refugees, and church leaders ministering to those impacted by the crisis.  

Meeting immediate needs is crucial, but so is preparing for the coming weeks and months. With this in mind, a generous partner has pledged to match all gifts to our Ukraine response, up to $50,000.   

In addition to meeting physical and emotional needs, these gifts will support our efforts to ship emergency safe water systems and supplies to Eastern Europe. We are providing technical expertise, training, and support to our partners serving displaced people in Ukraine. We are also coordinating with other aid organizations to prepare for recovery efforts, such as repairing municipal water systems, once the conflict ends.  

Water Mission is a safe water charity with more than 20 years of experience responding to natural disasters and humanitarian crises. We’ve served hundreds of thousands of refugees in Tanzania, Uganda, and Malawi. In each response, our team is there to reassure survivors that God is with them.  

Your gift will bring hope amid this heartbreaking tragedy.     

GIVE TODAY

March 7, 2022 

The escalating conflict in Ukraine has triggered an exodus of people, primarily women and children, seeking refuge elsewhere in the region. Water Mission is actively working with partners and local churches to care for and serve these refugees.   

Within days, Water Mission sent two assessment teams to border crossings in Poland and Romania to evaluate refugees’ urgent needs. We are partnering with local churches near the Ukraine border to help meet refugees’ physical and emotional needs.   

In addition, Water Mission is proactively shipping emergency safe water systems and supplies to the region. There, the systems will be prepped to support relief and recovery efforts.     

As a safe water charity with more than 20 years of experience responding to natural disasters and humanitarian crises, Water Mission has a background in providing immediate and long-term solutions. We’ve served hundreds of thousands of refugees in Tanzania, Uganda, and Malawi. In each response, our team is there to reassure those dealing with overwhelming loss that God is with them.  

We are blessed to serve alongside the local church as the hands and feet of Jesus. Please join us in praying for these refugees, and for the churches converting their sanctuaries into shelters where refugees can find safe water, food, a warm place to sleep, and the hope of Jesus Christ.   

GIVE TODAY

February 28, 2022 

During the last week of February, Russia launched attacks against Ukraine. The escalating conflict and potential humanitarian crisis triggered an exodus of people seeking refuge elsewhere in the region.   

During any humanitarian crisis, safe water is critical to survival. It helps prevent the spread of waterborne illnesses, which are especially deadly to young children. Water Mission is responding by sending an assessment team to the region. We will evaluate the safe water, sanitation, and hygiene needs of those displaced by the crisis and discern how to best serve those impacted. 

With more than 20 years of experience as a safe water charity responding to natural disasters and humanitarian crises, Water Mission has an extensive background in providing immediate and long-term safe water solutions. In each response, our team is there to reassure those dealing with overwhelming loss that God is with them. 

Please pray for the people of Ukraine and the surrounding region, and for our staff responding to this urgent situation. We also invite you to consider supporting Water Mission’s relief efforts to bring safe water to those displaced by the conflict.  

GIVE TODAY

The post Ukraine Relief Updates appeared first on Water Mission.

This article below appears as it does in the print edition of the Spring 2022 Newsletter. For the latest updates on Water Mission’s crisis response in Ukraine, click here.

The escalating conflict in Ukraine has triggered an exodus of people, primarily women and children, seeking refuge elsewhere in the region. Water Mission is actively working with partners, local churches, and community groups to care for and serve these refugees. 

Water Mission was quick to respond, sending two assessment teams to border crossings in Poland and Romania within the first few days of the conflict. They immediately evaluated urgent needs and connected with local churches and other NGOs in the area to collaborate on how to best serve refugees.   

We are now partnering with local churches and civic groups near the Ukraine border to help meet refugees’ physical and emotional needs. With regard to emotional needs, our efforts include providing Bibles and biblical trauma healing resources to help minister to refugees and share the Living Water message of Jesus Christ.  

Our strategy is not simply to meet immediate needs, but also to look ahead. Support from caring friends enabled us to proactively ship emergency safe water systems and distribution equipment to Poland and Romania. We are collaborating with other aid organizations on future recovery efforts within Ukraine. These plans include emergency water production and repairs to water infrastructure damaged during the conflict. 

With more than 20 years of experience responding to natural disasters and humanitarian crises, Water Mission has an extensive background in providing immediate and long-term solutions. We’ve served hundreds of thousands of refugees in Tanzania, Uganda, and Malawi. In each of our disaster responses, our team is there to reassure those dealing with overwhelming loss that God is with them. 

We are blessed by those who have generously come alongside us as the hands and feet of Christ. Please join us in praying for the local churches converting their sanctuaries into shelters where refugees can find nourishment, a warm place to sleep, and the hope of Jesus. Pray especially for the women and children we are serving as they seek safety in this season as refugees. As the situation evolves, you may visit watermission.org for updates on our crisis response. 

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The post Crisis Response in Eastern Europe appeared first on Water Mission.

Around the world, 2.2 billion people lack access to safe water. The global water crisis claims the lives of more than 800,000 men, women, and children each year. Parents struggle to lift their families out of poverty when so many hours are spent collecting water that is often contaminated. Boys and girls are too sick to attend school because of drinking unsafe water. Healthcare facilities and schools cannot serve their communities well when proper hygiene and sanitation are simply beyond reach.

Access to safe water can change lives, building health and hope. It can create educational and economic opportunities that help break the cycle of poverty in families and communities. Water Mission’s vision is that all people have safe water and an opportunity to experience God’s love. 

This World Water Day, we invite you to come alongside us in celebrating the transformation taking place in communities that now have access to clean, safe water.  

Lucy is a mother and grandmother in Morpus, Kenya. Raising her children without access to safe water was dangerous—at times, even deadly. But her grandchildren will grow up with the transformative benefits of safe water. She says, “When Water Mission came, people did not visit the hospital as often. Kids go to school without a problem. So, life here is good. Life has changed completely.” 

Yabes is a farmer and father of four in Oenoni 2, Indonesia, who says, “It is extraordinary. Our lives changed after Water Mission came to Oenoni 2, because we no longer had trouble fetching water. Usually, my wife or my children took turns to fetch water for daily needs, but now we can use our time to work, and my children can study and also play.” 

Juliet, a mother of three in Ikonia, Uganda, told us, “Ever since we had this safe water, we have never gone to the taps and it’s not running. It is also very convenient to fetch. Can you imagine? Anytime I want to get safe water, I just knock at the tap operator’s door, and she gladly opens the tap for me!” 

Friends like you enable Water Mission to save lives and create lasting change for people like Lucy, Yabes, and Juliet. Learn more about Water Mission’s best-in-class safe water solutions and how you can join us in serving men, women, and children around the world.  

GET INVOLVED

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On United Nations’ International Women’s Day, we honor women around the world. Many work diligently and with love to protect and provide for their families, from caring for children to contributing to household income. 

In recent weeks, the world has watched hundreds of thousands of women and children flee their homes in Ukraine. Many women waited with their little ones in 14-mile queues at dozens of border cities in the bitter cold, seeking refuge and safety in neighboring countries while their husbands stayed behind. 

In any humanitarian crisis, safe water is critical to survival. Reliable access to clean, safe water can help prevent the spread of waterborne illnesses. Waterborne illnesses are especially deadly to young children. Women who have already risked so much for their children need clean, safe water in refugee settings to continue keeping their little ones safe. 

Thanks to generous friends who came alongside us, Water Mission was ready to respond to the crisis. Within days, we sent an assessment team to the region to evaluate the safe water, sanitation, and hygiene needs of those displaced by the crisis. We are now actively working with partners and local churches to care for and serve those impacted.    

Water Mission’s Global Partnerships Director, Melissa Blauvelt, is one of our team members responding in Eastern Europe. From the border crossing in Korczowa, Poland, Melissa sends her thanks to our supporters who have enabled her to “be on the border supporting vulnerable women and children in their flight out of Ukraine.”  

The reception center in Korczowa is housing 2,000 to 3,000 refugees from Ukraine, Melissa shares. She says, “Inside, you see lots of women…doing their best to care for their kids and comfort them.” 

“In honor of Women’s Day, we just lift up these women and children,” Melissa continues. “Please say a prayer for them and their safety. We don’t know where they’re going next, but we know it’s a tough journey. It’s hard to leave your husbands, brothers, and sons behind.”

Water Mission has more than 20 years of experience responding to natural disasters and humanitarian crises, meeting immediate needs and developing longer-term solutions. In each response, our team is there to reassure those dealing with overwhelming loss that God is with them.   

Please pray for the women of Ukraine and the surrounding region. We also invite you to consider supporting Water Mission’s relief efforts to serve those displaced by the conflict. When you partner with Water Mission, you bring health and hope to women and families in their time of need.  

GIVE TODAY

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Water Mission was honored to serve more than 1.4 million men, women, and children in 2021. 

Because of partners like you who have come alongside us, more than 1 million people have access to safe water. In addition, 30,000 people received sanitation solutions, such as latrines at home, in their medical facilities, or at school. More than 90,000 people are benefitting from the health and protection that comes from hygiene solutions like handwashing stations and community training. With your help, we’ve also served more than 265,000 survivors of 10 disasters around the world. Throughout all our work as a safe water charity, we were committed to showing God’s love to those in need. 

Every individual who gains access to safe water represents a victory in the fight against the global water crisis. They also are examples of God’s faithfulness and love, as you can see in the people and communities highlighted below. 

Improving Health Conditions for Patients, Healthcare Workers, and Communities 

Providing safe water to healthcare clinics is an ongoing priority for Water Mission. Mothers and their newborn babies in Chiwe, Malawi, were among those who benefited from a Water Mission safe water solution in their local healthcare center. It enabled expectant moms to deliver their babies close to home instead of traveling miles away while in labor. Read more here. 

Supporting Children and Their Families 

Of course, children need access to safe water well beyond infancy. For many years in Kavingoni Yeemulwa, Kenya, school-aged children missed classes and couldn’t keep up with their education due to the time spent collecting water. Unfortunately, this water was contaminated water and often made the kids too sick to attend school. Then Water Mission installed a safe water solution with seven water access points, including at the local school. The project serves 2,700 people and helps to keep children and their families healthy. Read more here.   

Safeguarding Community Members 

In Mexico, the families of Francisco Madero faced similar problems to those in Kavingoni Yeemulwa. One couple, Hipolito and Martha Avila, saw firsthand the negative impact of using contaminated water. This was especially true for the most vulnerable community members, the elderly and children—including Hipolito and Martha’s children. The sustainable safe water solution Water Mission and our partner Iglesia Solo Cristo Salva y Sana (Only Christ Heals and Saves Church) installed has given new life to this community, serving more than 1,500 people. Read more here. 

Strengthening Safe Water Systems After Natural Disaster 

On top of the everyday challenges of accessing clean, safe water, communities throughout the Bahamas experienced massive flooding and destruction after 2019’s Hurricane Dorian. At the time, Water Mission installed four reverse osmosis (RO) systems, designed by Parker Hannifin, to meet the dire need for safe water. In 2021, we installed a fifth RO system at Rand Memorial Hospital, the country’s second-largest public health facility, meeting the dire need for healthcare workers to access safe water. These RO systems, installed above flood level and able to purify salty water, ensure that clean, safe water is available even in the event of another natural disaster. Read more here. 

Disaster Response Following Artic Storms in Texas 

When winter storms swept across Texas in February, record-shattering cold temperatures caused pipes to freeze, leaving half the population without access to safe water. Water Mission sent skilled volunteer plumbers and provided emergency plumbing supplies to restore safe water access in the homes of vulnerable homeowners like Anna Margaret, a single mother. Read more here.  

Recovering and Healing 

Recovering in the aftermath of a traumatic event is about physical survival—and also about emotional and spiritual healing. Refugees, especially those escaping war-torn areas, need this healing. To assist the many people pouring into a large refugee settlement in Uganda, Water Mission partnered with local pastors and church leaders. These faith leaders were trained as biblical trauma healing facilitators who can effectively counsel and encourage those in their communities, helping refugees and other community members hope again. Read more here. 

Hope for the Future 

Where would we be without the hope of Christ to guide us? The hope of the Living Water, Jesus Christ, guided our work in 2021. Please join us in praying for the 2.2 billion people still awaiting safe water. There is more to be done, and we look to God’s providence to guide us in this continuing journey. 

 Pray with Us 

The post 2021 Snapshot: Serving 1.4 Million People with Safe Water and More  appeared first on Water Mission.

This February, the world is preparing for the 2022 Winter Olympics, when citizens will unite around their home counties. As we cheer for the teams representing us in Beijing during the XXIV Olympics, we’re reminded of a team from last year’s Tokyo Olympic Games that didn’t fit the mold. A global audience witnessed resilience in action as a group of athletes competed on behalf of the global refugee community.  

Representing Refugees on the World Stage 

When the Refugee Olympic Team walked out during the opening ceremonies, they didn’t represent a country. They were in Tokyo competing on behalf of the 84 million forcibly displaced people worldwide. According to UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, people are often displaced because of persecution, violence, natural disasters, and human rights violations.  

“This will be a symbol of hope for all refugees in the world and will make the world better aware of the magnitude of this crisis,” stated International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach when he announced the first Refugee Olympic Team in 2015. 

The team made its debut at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. That year, only 10 athletes qualified. This past summer, the size of the team nearly tripled, with 29 refugee athletes participating in 12 different sports. 

While we may not know the individual stories of each athlete, we can assume that, as refugees, many have endured trauma in their lifetime. With the number of displaced people increasing as the years pass, it is important people understand the crisis unfolding before them. 

Water Mission has provided safe water solutions while sharing God’s love in refugee camps for years. Our teams actively serve refugees in east Africa with access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) solutions.  

Serving in Uganda Refugee Settlements 

Rhino Camp and Bidibidi are two refugee settlements in Uganda that have welcomed hundreds of thousands of refugees fleeing South Sudan.  

“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.”  

When Rhino Camp and Bidibidi struggled to provide reliable access to safe water for those fleeing South Sudan and other nations, Water Mission stepped in to provide WASH solutions. 

“When we joined the settlement, there were a lot of challenges,” Mary said. “There was no water, but Water Mission has done great things. They have supplied the community with enough water, hygiene, and trauma healing.” 

Out of the 29 athletes on the Refugee Olympic Team, four also fled war-torn South Sudan, just like Mary. The opportunity to witness their strength and resilience as they competed on the world stage offered a glimmer of hope, all while raising awareness about the ongoing refugee crisis. 

Biblical Trauma Healing and Overcoming Adversity 

When we build safe water solutions as a water charity, we also open doors to sharing the Living Water message of Jesus Christ. Bible-based trauma healing is one way we do this, helping people forgive, reconciling conflicts, and providing support and compassion to trauma victims. 

“We’re able to share the Living Water message with people that have seen loved ones killed and are struggling with day-to-day life,” said Doug Lawson, Water Mission’s regional director of Kenya and Uganda programs. 

This program is just one of the incredible ways Water Mission shares the gospel with the communities they serve.  

There is a deep connection between those on the Refugee Olympic Team and the tens of millions still displaced from their homes. The athletes’ participation at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic games offered the world a glimpse into what overcoming adversity looks like while putting the global refugee crisis on the map.  

While you celebrate your home team during the XXIV Winter Olympic Games, we hope you’ll also pray for the refugees we serve. You might also consider how you might empower these communities with access to safe and Living Water. 

GIVE SAFE WATER

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Deng* and Nyaluak* live in a refugee settlement in east Africa where Water Mission has installed safe water solutions. Because of our partners who are passionate about sharing the good news, Deng and Nyaluak are two of 10,000 refugees who have received audio Bibles in their own languages.  

Recipients commit to listening to the Bibles with friends and family—a chance to discuss what God is saying through his Word and encourage one another. This is an extraordinary opportunity for fellowship amongst refugees living through extremely challenging situations. 

Deng has 30 people in his listening group. Nyaluak listens with seven people. Her favorite passage of scripture is Proverbs 2, which begins, “If you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you…then you will understand the fear of the Lord and the knowledge of God.”   

Another refugee told us his favorite part of Scripture was The Beatitudes from Matthew 5, specifically: 

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. 
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. 
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.”  

We thank the Lord for the opportunity not only to address refugees’ physical needs but also their spiritual thirst by expanding access to the gospel.  

*Names changed to protect the identity of Christians living in this area.  

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