Envision a world where all people have safe water, adequate sanitation, hygiene education, and the knowledge of God’s love—then work together to make this vision a reality. This was the focus of Envision 2007, Lifewater International’s 20th annual conference held June 22 – June 24 at Chapman University in Orange, California. A total of 220 Lifewater donors, field trainers, staff, board members, Jars of Clay/Blood:Water Mission band members and staff, and leaders of partner organizations gathered to address appropriate responses to the world’s water and sanitation crisis. Conference attendees experienced heartfelt worship, inspiring messages, a new Lifewater video, relevant workshops, great food, and excellent fellowship.

Uniting in Purpose: Friday Evening Plenary Session, June 22
Lifewater opened Envision with worship and sharing from executive director Dan Stevens, and field trainers Laura Rose, Rod Thompson, and Jim Losey. The evening included the premier of Lifewater’s new ten-minute video explaining Lifewater’s vision, mission, development philosophy, and methodology. 

Joining Hearts and Hands: Saturday Morning Devotions, June 23
Envision participants opened the day with worship and a brief devotional. Dan Stevens shared about how water is fundamental to all aspects of life, as is Jesus, the living water.

Deepening Knowledge and Skills: Saturday Workshops, June 23
Envision participants spent the day attending four workshops of their choice and enjoying food and fellowship between sessions.

Lifewater 101
Workshop participants heard from Lifewater’s executive director and other staff members about Lifewater’s history, mission, development philosophy, and methodology.

Global Water & Sanitation Crisis
This workshop explored the daily struggle of those in our world who lack safe water and adequate sanitation. A fun and interactive workshop, it featured accounts from the front lines of water development as well as Lifewater’s response to the need. Skits and participatory exercises engaged attendees in learning more about the world’s water and sanitation crisis.

Microfinance and WASH
Conducted by former World Relief microfinance director Ken Graber, this workshop explored themes and trends in microfinance and explored applications in the water sector. Ken’s thirty-plus years of experience in the field enriched discussion on this important topic affecting the future of sustainable water, sanitation, and hygiene projects.

Appropriate Water Development
Lifewater water specialist Fred Proby provided an overview of the water development methods that Lifewater has found effective, including shallow well drilling, hand pump repair, and biosand filtration. Photos taken from the field helped people gain a better understanding of these technologies.

Technical Forum on Water Development
A panel of water professionals discussed technical details of well drilling, hand pump repair, and biosand filters. Leaders from Lifewater’s partner organization in Ethiopia asked questions arising from their field experience that stimulated lively discussion.

Development: The Fine Line of Sustainable Transformation
Examining the failures and successes of community development initiatives worldwide, workshop facilitator Barak Bruerd—project manager for Jars of Clay/Blood:Water Mission’s 1000 Wells initiative—helped raise awareness about important issues to consider when engaging in development work. 

Merging the Great Commandment and the Great Commission
Facilitated by Lifewater’s vice president of programs, Sam Moore, this workshop discussed a holistic approach to ministry and the biblical basis for involvement in international development. Moore offered several ways to integrate evangelism with international development, suggesting that the two need not be separated.

Ethical Photojournalism
Gil Garcetti gave a plenary session in which he shared about his journey from a career as Los Angeles County District Attorney to a master photographer raising awareness about the water crisis in Africa. He was available for Q&A in a follow-up workshop that focused on how to respect people in front of the lens as made in the image of God.

Share the Commitment: How to Get Involved
This workshop offered meaningful ways for people of diverse interests, availability, and skills to get involved in Lifewater’s work. Lifewater staff discussed campaigns to raise awareness and support, event ideas, and different volunteering opportunities.

Hearing from Our Partners
Five leaders of Lifewater partner organizations from Ecuador, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Liberia shared about their work in the field.

Celebrating with Great Music: Jars of Clay Concert, June 23
After spending the day with conference participants, Grammy Award-winning band Jars of Clay offered a two-hour benefit concert for the sake of safe water in our world. The audience of almost 600 (conference participants and general public) heard Jars of Clay classics, including  “Liquid” and “Flood,” and songs from their new album, Good Monsters, including “Light Gives Heat” and “Oh My God.” The band and the audience enjoyed the great music and solidarity of purpose.

Worshipping Together: Sunday Morning Chapel, June 23
Conference participants gathered for meaningful worship and prayer and an inspiring homily by Jars of Clay lead singer, Dan Haseltine.

Solidifying our Commitment: Sunday Brunch and International Fair
Envision participants enjoyed a celebration brunch with delicious food and a message from Lifewater founder, Bill Ashe. The weekend concluded with an international fair, where leaders from Lifewater’s partner organizations staffed tables displaying posters, information, and artwork from their countries. 

Lifewater is grateful to all Envision participants for sharing their time, resources, and commitment to addressing the global water and sanitation crisis. Lifewater looks forward to gathering again at Chapman University in the summer of 2008 to share about progress made toward a world where all people have safe water, adequate sanitation, and hygiene education. Log onto www.lifewater.org for current information about the 2008 conference. We look forward to seeing you there!