Put Feet to Their Faith - blood:water mission

I just recently learned of the blood:water mission and am delighted for the opportunity to share it with you this month as my "Put Feet to Their Faith" ministry focus for the month of April! So, first for some information about who they are in case you are like me, and have not heard of them before . . . 

"Founded by the multi-platinum, GRAMMY Award-winning band, Jars of Clay, Blood:Water Mission began as a call to personalize the HIV/AIDS crisis in Africa. The members of the band were committed to share the often-untold stories: those of creative, compassionate, hard-working Africans bringing health, hope and healing into their respective communities. Blood:Water Mission first stepped into funding a late stage AIDS hospice and discovered the vital link between living with HIV/AIDS and the need for clean water. As a result, Blood:Water Mission launched the 1000 Wells Project in 2005 as a nation-wide effort to raise enough money to provide clean water and sanitation to 1000 communities in sub-Saharan Africa based on the equation that $1 provides one African with clean water for an entire year.

Since its launch, Blood:Water Mission has raised millions of dollars through the creative efforts of tens of thousands of individuals seeking to make a difference, providing for the completion of the 1000 Wells Project at the end of 2010. To date, we have partnered with more than 1,000 communities in Africa, providing life-saving water and health care for over 600,000 people in 13 different countries. Along the way the 1000 Wells Project has expanded holistically to include a variety of clean water solutions, sanitation and hygiene training, the capacity building of our local grassroots partners to improve their ability to develop sustainable programs, as well as funding health clinics, community health workers, and support groups, which help in the prevention, treatment, care and support of communities affected by AIDS. Although the 1000 Wells Project is completed, we aren't moving on; instead, we are moving deeper. There are still millions without safe water, and our commitment to them continues. Additionally, moving forward we are incorporating HIV/AIDS programs, building on the foundation of ongoing water programming.

The results of our efforts paint a new picture in these communities. Village leaders have the resources and training to bring clean water, sanitation and health care into their communities. Stomach aches, skin diseases and diarrhea have disappeared. Women and children no longer walk several miles a day to carry filthy water. Those with HIV are living longer, stronger lives. We know these communities. We are connected to them. And through these relationships, we are being transformed, too. Blood:Water Mission's movement engages Americans in social justice, worldview development and thoughtful action. We invite others to be a small part of a larger, beautiful story."

So, what can you do to "put feet to their faith" and involve the children in your ministry in serving others through the blood:water mission? Well, all month I'll be sharing some of their creative opportunities for you to be involved . . . first of all, one which "fits" a children's ministry tremendously well . . . Lemon:Aid!  As blood:water mission says, "Summertime - a time to make memories, spend time outdoors and get re-acquainted with new friends and neighbors. This summer, Blood:Water Mission invites you to not only make memories but make a difference, too. Over 320 million Africans lack access to clean, safe water - smart, talented, hopeful people like you can make a BIG difference in the lives of our friends in Africa!

Build a Lemon:Aid stand in your community to quench the thirst of someone in your neighborhood, as well as someone half-way around the world! Then, donate the profits from your Lemon:Aid stand to Blood:Water Mission and provide your friends in Africa with clean, safe water. Order your LEMON:AID Campaign Kit to get your tools (or download printable resources here) - plan your stand (or stands!) - and see how many lives you can impact in your neighborhood and in our friends' villages in Africa. Thanks to our friends at Pepsi, each kit will also contain a coupon for FREE Brisk Lemonade! Also, please consider hosting a Lemon:Aid Block Party or Campus Stand. To order a larger kit for a Block Party or Campus Stand, please order akit and send an email to grassroots@bloodwatermission.com to tell them about your stand."

Doesn't this sound like a great way for you to "put feet to their faith" and involve the children in your ministry in a project which will make a real difference in the lives of children and families in Africa?!!! I'd love to hear about your Lemon:Aid if you involve your cm in this project!