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FROM THE DIRECTOR
Like most people, our hearts are heavy with sorrow for the people of Haiti. The news and images from the disaster zone remind us of tragedies that have touched us in the past. Our director of Communications & Development remembers his time in Kosovo; our communications manager recalls working among victims of Hurricane Mitch; one of our program coordinators shares about a recent trip to a region in Ethiopia that is on the brink of famine. These days have reminded us of human frailty—something that people in many places are aware of every day because of unmet basic needs.
While suffering is always part of the human journey, I am convinced that God’s desire is for us to be strong and whole in mind, body, and spirit. I am grateful to be part of an organization that works daily to build strong communities with the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to meet their basic needs and confidently address challenges that arise.
Your support this past year made it possible for Lifewater to reach more than 150,000 people with hygiene education in this past year. These numbers represent real people who are being lifted out of poverty and suffering because of your generosity. You are helping to bring water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) to places where it is the difference between life and death. Thank you.
Warmly,
Dan Stevens, Executive Director |
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MAJOR UPHEAVAL AND CREATIVE SOLUTIONS IN LAOS
Imagine if your entire community was required to vacate the land it had inhabited for generations and relocate to an unfamiliar place. While it is hard for us to fathom, this is exactly what is happening to hundreds of rural communities in Laos.
In the hopes of becoming a primary source of hydroelectric power for Southeast Asia, the Lao government—with the help of multinational companies and institutions including the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank—is building massive dams whose reservoirs cover hundreds of square miles. These efforts have displaced thousands of people.
A Lifewater partner in Laos wrote, “In our province alone there are two multi-million dollar hydroelectric dam projects. You can imagine the scale of such projects. . . . The project requires multi-million dollar resettlement efforts to relocate over one thousand households. That’s over seven thousand people, many of whom are ethnic minorities.”
Relocation has created both challenges and opportunities for hundreds of Lao communities. While the new communities struggle with the practical and emotional strain of major upheaval, they are now in more accessible locations where entities such as Lifewater’s in-country partners can help meet their pressing basic needs, including the need for safe water, adequate sanitation, and hygiene education (WASH).
The rural population in Laos has always struggled for lack of WASH. Today, less than half of all rural people have a sustainable supply of safe water, while just 20 percent have the security and dignity of a simple, hygienic toilet or latrine. Not surprisingly, water-related diseases are prevalent, especially among children. According to UNICEF, diarrhea is the second leading cause of childhood deaths in Laos. According to the United Nations Development Programme, Laos ranks 133rd of 177 countries on the Human Development Index.
Lifewater has been operating successfully in Laos for more than five years, primarily in partnership with two for-profit social businesses. Social businesses differ from traditional businesses in that their primary focus is generating sustainable improvements to their communities’ well being rather than maximizing profits. Partnerships with social businesses are especially appropriate in nations such as Laos, where nonprofit activities are limited.
Lifewater’s primary in-country partner has been a well-drilling business that helps bring safe water to impoverished rural communities. Some are communities that have been relocated because of hydroelectric projects. The well-drilling business has become a highly respected company known for its integrity and high-quality work.
In 2008, Lifewater began a new partnership with a business committed to improving the health of the Lao people through WASH. As part of its strategy, the business recently began manufacturing low-cost ceramic water filters for individual families (see image). Its filter marketing plan focuses on promoting good hygiene and sanitation behaviors at the local community level. Lifewater and this partner’s goal is to reduce the incidence of severe diarrhea by at least 40 percent among a minimum population of 140,000.
Over the next two years, Lifewater will assist its Lao partner in increasing its ceramic water filter production capacity and making it 100 percent sustainable. The filters are already gaining popularity as people learn of their low-cost and high-effectiveness in eliminating harmful bacteria and microorganisms. In September 2009, flooding caused by a typhoon created high demand for the filters. Lifewater’s partner wrote, “A relief agency wanted to purchase five thousand ceramic filters from us, but we couldn’t deliver at the time as production has just recently begun.” The partner hopes to be able to fill orders such as these in the near future.
Lifewater will also continue to equip Lao personnel to promote improved hygiene and sanitation practices in rural villages. Lifewater and its Lao partners will work to adapt Lifewater’s training materials to the local context through translation, adjustment of drawings to local dress and habits, and other culturally appropriate modifications. For example, Lao community members traditionally collect rainwater in large basins outside their homes, and many use the same water to drink, wash hands, and brush teeth. These basins are usually left uncovered, and rural Laotians routinely drink water contaminated by E. coli and other bacteria. The contextualized curriculum will encourage community members to assess these practices and develop safer water storage and use practices.
If you would like more information on Lifewater’s work in Laos or are interested in supporting this project, please contact us at donations@lifewater.org or (888)543-3426. Contributions toward these creative WASH efforts in Laos will make possible the necessary steps toward long-term sustainability.
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WHY LENT MATTERS
Easter deserves to be so much more than just one day! The significance of Christ’s resurrection should influence every aspect of our lives. Lent is a time set apart in the church calendar to delve into the meaning of Easter and explore how Christ changes us and our world.
Observed in Catholic and many Protestant churches, Lent is a period of forty days that begins on Ash Wednesday and concludes on Easter Sunday. Sundays, which are commonly considered “little Easters” celebrating the Resurrection, are not observed as part of Lent.
The forty days of Lent echo the forty days when Noah waited in the ark, the forty years Israel wandered in the wilderness, the forty days Moses spent on Sinai, and the forty days that Jesus fasted in the wilderness. These events are part of the human journey toward knowing God more fully and experiencing the power of the Resurrection.
Although what churches choose to do during Lent varies, there are three widely accepted “pillars” of the season: prayer, fasting, and service to the poor. Each of these helps us to affirm our need for God and our solidarity with those who are suffering. Lent’s solemnity and sobering focus help us to embrace more fully Easter’s joy.
In recent years, Lent is increasingly known as a time to raise awareness about the worldwide need for safe water and to encourage a response to the crisis. Lifewater International’s Significant Sacrifice: An Easter Journey helps to promote this focus among communities of faith.
To learn about Significant Sacrifice, visit significantsacrifice.org. Lifewater offers great materials to help you on your journey, including a compelling devotional book, kids’ activities, and reminder bracelets.
This year’s participants will begin the journey on the Sunday before Lent, February 14, 2010. One of last year’s participants wrote, “Participating in Significant Sacrifice converted my realization of how much Christ did for me into blessing for others.” May the same happen for you.
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RISING MUSICIAN PLAYS FOR SAFE WATER
Mark Stuckey is a young musician gaining attention in the independent Christian artist world and in online worship leader communities. His songs are receiving top ratings and are being played on Christian radio stations throughout the U.S. and in Canada. A recent masters of worship graduate from Azusa Pacific University, Mark leads worship as a volunteer staff member at Mosaic in Southern California. His commitment to Lifewater International’s work reflects his heart for using his gifts to serve those in need.
Tell us a bit about your music.
It’s the type of music you’d listen to in your car and join in singing aloud—acoustic pop like Caedmon’s Call or John Mayer. A lot of talented people contributed to making the music; our styles blended together, and in the end we had something we’re all really proud of.
As a songwriter, my goal is to write lyrics that tell the story of God in a relevant, authentic, and transparent way. I want my songs to teach good theology and communicate in creative ways God’s amazing story of love for the world.
What is the best way to learn more about your music?
People can visit my website at www.markstuckey.com or my Facebook fan page and listen to my songs. On my website, I include the background of songs as well as the chord charts you can download for free.
Why have you chosen to support Lifewater International?
Lifewater is a phenomenal ministry bringing hope to the world. My song “When We Need Hope EP” was written when I was going through some difficult situations. My dad would call me on the phone every day to check in and see how I was doing. One day, he told me to make a list of the things I could be thankful for. I told him that I couldn’t think of anything. He then asked me if I had taken a shower that morning. I said that I had. He then asked me if my shower had hot water. You get where this is going. I’ll never forget that conversation. It was a humbling experience and forever changed my perspective of the common luxuries I had taken for granted.
I chose Lifewater because I believe the work they are doing is very important. While their work has a very practical result, its impact extends to bring dignity and a restored sense of self-worth to people. Who wouldn’t want to be involved with that?
How are you supporting Lifewater?
I support Lifewater by raising awareness at the venues where I play, in interviews for magazines, on my website, and with my own money. I am a volunteer voice for the people that Lifewater serves, and I am very honored to have this responsibility.
What words of advice and/or encouragement do you have for Lifewater’s donors?
As my dad encouraged me to do, I would encourage all of us to make a list of things we can be thankful for. I encourage Lifewater’s donors to live generously and bring hope to others daily.
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WORLD WATER CUP BEGINS IN UGANDA
The soccer World Cup in South Africa this June has pulses racing everywhere. In Uganda, Lifewater International and Divine Waters Uganda, an in-country partner organization, are harnessing this excitement to promote effective water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices. As a new phase of the WASH Promotion Soccer Tournament, which began in 2007, Lifewater and Divine Waters will host its newly created World Water Cup on June 4 and 5, 2010, at a major stadium in Kampala, Uganda’s capital city.
In this initial phase, the World Water Cup will bring together champion teams from the Lifewater-supported Soccer for WASH Tournament in northern Uganda and a top-level team from another league. The two-day event will include a friendship match, concert by Jars of Clay, WASH education displays and demonstrations, and a championship match.
If the World Water Cup proves successful in Uganda, Lifewater hopes to replicate this model of WASH promotion with partners in other countries.
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CARRY WATER ALL DAY ON WORLD WATER DAY
World Water Day is March 22: Join in the Fun!
Imagine you and your pastor, the principal of your children’s school, and/or local government representatives carrying buckets, jugs, or big yellow jerry cans for an entire day. This is exactly what Lifewater International suggests that you do along with your friends and family, and public figures in your community this World Water Day!
Established in 1993 by the United Nations General Assembly, World Water Day is an internationally observed opportunity to draw attention to the fact that almost one billion people in our world lack access to safe water.
Our initial goal is to raise $5,000 through $5 cell phone donations on World Water Day (March 22) to install a well in Uganda (by texting WASH to 85944).
Here is how you can help:
Encourage your friends, colleagues, and local officials to wear Lifewater-provided World Water Day t-shirts and carry yellow jerry can—full or partially full of water—along with other key figures around the nation. Individuals may also carry simple buckets or containers with water. During the day, invite others to lift the containers to see what millions carry for miles every day. If you are unable to carry heavy items, simply share why you are carrying the container. Signs on the containers will invite people to make a $5 donation to Lifewater International for the well in Uganda by using their cell phones to text WASH to 85944.
Consider hosting a WaterWalk, where you invite people to carry containers full of water over a distance to honor those who do so every day. Have participants collect sponsorships in the form of $5 cell phone donations (WASH to 85944). See lifewater.org/waterwalk.aspx for materials and more information.
Make sure you contact Lifewater Interational so that we can provide you with the jerry cans, tshirts, and other items you need for World Water Day. Also let us know where we can document your activities and/or submit press releases.
After World Water Day, visit Lifewater.org/wwd.aspx to see if we have met our goal and raised $5,000 for a well in Uganda. Groups that have participated will be acknowledged on the site.
Thank you for joining us in this effort to ensure that all people have access to safe drinking water!
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GET YOUR COPY OF A GREAT BOOK
Lifewater has received a generous donation from Zondervan: multiple copies of the book Zealous Love by well-known writers Mike and Danae Yankoski. In the book, the Yankoskis feature Lifewater International as one of several organizations responding effectively to the water crisis. With a forward by Eugene Peterson, Zealous Love has received positive reviews as inspiration and practical guidance for people looking to make a difference.
Zondervan’s donation allows Lifewater to offer a great opportunity: Sign up as a monthly donor or give a donation of $100 or more in February, and Lifewater will send you a free copy of Zealous Love.
To receive your copy of Zealous Love, check the appropriate box on the newsletter reply slip that you return with your donation, or give online at Lifewater.org and indicate in the comment section that you would like a copy of the book.
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SHARE LIFE-GIVING LOVE THIS VALENTINE'S DAY
This Valentine’s Day, share your love with Lifewater’s innovative redeemable gift cards. These tax-deductible gift cards come with an attractive Valentine’s Day greeting card and invite your loved ones to designate your gift to the country and project that has special significance to them. You may also choose to send e-cards instead of print cards. If a gift card is not redeemed by the date shown on the gift card, the donation will be used where it is most needed. Visit www.lifewater.org to purchase these valuable gifts of love!
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