Read: “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.” Proverbs 19:17

Reflect:

Many people in western cultures will find it challenging to fully grasp what it is like to be without such a basic need as clean water or understand the painful repercussions of having only dirty water to drink. Unfortunately, this experience has been all too real for me.

“You grandma is no more.” Those are painful words to hear. Grandma was a loving, caring, sweet, wise woman. Grandma loved to spoil her grandchildren. She made it her goal to dispense her wisdom to her grandchildren and she wanted to leave a legacy to us. I will forever cherish her wisdom.

A few days before grandma’s demise, mom had warned grandma to never drink the water from the tap but to only drink the purified water that was in the refrigerator. Grandma must have forgotten to heed this advice. One day, overcome by thirst, grandma had filled a glass of cold water from the tap. Moments later, grandma’s tummy started to hurt.  Over the following days, grandma got sicker and sicker. She lost all appetite and developed a terrible fever. Grandma had contracted cholera after drinking contaminated water. One glass of clear looking tap water had led to her untimely death.

In developing countries, many people suffer and die from preventable waterborne diseases in areas where there is no immediate access to fresh, purified water. As Christians, we must act to save the lives of our brothers and sisters in the developing world. Yes, we can do something. What can we do? Following my grandma’s death, my wife and I have raised funds to build freshwater wells in Zimbabwe, our home country. I miss my grandma, but I am proud that my wife and I have built a well in my grandma’s village, providing dozens of families with access to clean water. You too can do something. You can support The Salvation Army’s work providing clean water to communities by freely giving to World Services through self-denial. A human being armed with love and compassion can accomplish much.

You may not think that you can change lives, but you can. As you consider the blessings you have freely received from God, choose to freely give and meet essential needs.

Apply: Many around the world lack access to essential needs like clean water, food, clothing, and safe shelter. This week, challenge yourself to a “no spend” week and instead give generously to Self-Denial.  

Pray: Dear Lord, give us a compassionate heart for missions. Thank you for the many blessings we have. May we hold loosely to the things that we own and be generous with all that we have. Amen.