By Julie Stewart
“But whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:14, NIV
If you will brave the cold, your winter adventures may take you for a hike. If you are near mountains and can find a trail to a waterfall, it is even better – seeing how beautifully the water flows in such cold temperatures. In mountain streams, the water is fresh, clear, and ice cold year round. Sometimes a waterfall will appear frozen, but if you get closer, you will almost always hear water running behind the ice.
For us, fresh water can simply bring joy as it helps to set the beautiful scene around us. Unfortunately, for many throughout the world, clean water is not easily available or abundant. In fact, 783 million people do not have access to clean water. Many have to source water from contaminated areas, causing death and sickness. World Vision works to provide clean water for communities in need and is committed to providing clean water and sanitation to one new person every 10 seconds by 2020.
During this Christmas season, let us give to and pray for those in need of clean water.
Heavenly Father, source of living water, Proverbs 25:21 says, “If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.” Please convict our hearts to help children, families, communities, and even our enemies to receive clean, accessible drinking water. Every time we turn on the tap, open a bottle of water or see a waterfall remind us of your call to serve those in need. Amen.
Julie Stewart is currently serving as an advocacy/government relations intern at World Vision and is writing for her Master’s Degree in Middle Eastern Studies. Julie has lived in and loves the Middle East and 100 percent recommends trying Lebanese falafel and Druze salads. She and her husband Jonathan live in Northern Virginia.
Stay informed about poverty issues around the world:
Are you interested in raising your voice for justice for people in poverty? Sign up for World Vision email updates about important issues and actions you can take to make a difference.
Photo: Lamayan, 5, drinks clean water straight from the tap in Kisapuk village in Kenya. © 2016 World Vision/ photo by Chris Huber
Great Work Indeed!!! in trying to bring clean water to everyone