Right now, compassionate givers across the U.S. are partnering with Cross International to provide clean, safe water in eastern Zambia. By participating in Cross International’s A Thirst for Hope, a Thriving Kids Initiative, more than 8,900 lives will be impacted by:
- Installing 15 community water systems, to provide clean, safe water for the Zambian districts of Lusangazi, Kasennengwa, Chipangali and Chipata.
- Improving access to God’s Word by distributing 455 Bibles printed in the villagers’ native language.
Here, learn more about the lives of the families that will be impacted.
IMPACT ON HEALTH
Olivia knows her children’s lives are in danger. It’s the dry season, and in the village of Agripa, fetching water means traveling to the only source available — a hand-dug watering hole that is shared by villagers, cows, pigs, and wild animals. Every day before the sun rises, Olivia sets out on the first of several trips to the bug-infested watering hole. She knows the water she is gathering is contaminated. In fact, she tells us stories of grown men and women who get desperately ill from diarrhea. You can see why she is so worried about the health of her children.
One look at the brown, murky water, and you can also see why she prays every day that her village will receive safe water. Everyone should have safe water.
IMPACT ON WOMEN AND GIRLS
With a heavy bucket of water perched on top of her head, Tasila carefully makes her way from the local water source back to her home. Like most of the women and girls who live in her village, Tasila walks for hours to fetch water for her family. Often her young daughter, Monica, must miss school so she can fetch water along with her mom. This is a back-breaking chore for mother and daughter, but it’s a necessity they must endure 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Here in eastern Zambia, it is the girls and the women who bear the primary responsibility for water collection. Tasila has spent her whole life worrying about where to find water, especially during the 6-8 months of the dry season. She prays for safe water in her village.
Tasila is hopeful that her daughter will have clean drinking water one day. Then, no longer burdened by long arduous walks and stomach illnesses, Monica would be able to go to school.
IMPACT ON FAITH
Martin smiles as he tenderly thumbs through the pages of his new Bible, a cherished item he never thought he would own. He is sitting on a bench, reading scripture to his young son, Daniel. “I’ve never held an actual Bible in my hands, much less owned one,” he says with reverence.
In Martin’s village, they are celebrating because they have received a community water system that provides safe, drinkable water, as well as water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) training.
In addition, they will each receive a Bible, each one printed in the native Chichewa language. It’s a moment that resonates deeply with the Gospel of John and the parable of the Woman at the Well, in which we can proclaim, the words of Jesus, “Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
The Holy Spirit is present in every moment of this special occasion, and Martin is particularly overcome with praise. This, after all, is the most important moment of his life — the moment Martin himself will be able to read the Word of God to his son, Daniel.
You can join us in bringing hope and transformation to these communities.
