We can't live without water yet some people don't have any.
Well, what about water?
My water comes from a well. It's my family's own well that provides wonderful, great-tasting water. There's plenty of water and plenty of pressure. I love the well...except when the power goes out.
If there's a power outage then our water runs out too. Power outages typically aren't planned so we can't prepare. When the power goes out our available water is reduced to amount that's left in the storage tank. Sometimes it's plenty, other times it's hardly any. When there's a storm approaching, we fill up gallon jugs. You never know when it might run out.
I consider our situation an adventure, and...I love adventures. It's easy though. My water shortages are always temporary.
No potable water
Imagine that about one sixth of the world's population does not have access to potable (that's drinkable) water. In fact:
- 1.1 billion people lack access to a clean water supply
- Every 15 seconds, a child dies from a water-related disease.
- The average American uses 100 to 176 gallons of water at home each day.
- Consumer expenditures for bottled water are approximately $100 billion per year
- Bottle water can cost as much as $10 per gallon.
(source: www.dollarforadrink.org)
Solve it with one dollar
One person, Joshua Guthrie, a 16-year-old Sophomore, started Dollar for a Drink. What is it? A non-profit organization that raises money for fresh water wells in Sudan, Africa. He's raised $5300 out of $8000 needed.
His project encourages us to:
- Give up one drink
- Give one dollar
- Give the gift of a well in Sudan
$1 provides one year of clean water for a person in Sudan. You can make a difference with ONE dollar!
HT: Jesus Creed
Give Wells, Provide Living Water
Lack of clean water is the leading cause of death in some of the poorer nations. In fact,
- 1.8 million people die every year from water born illnesses.
- That includes 3,900 children a day.
- Solving this water problem once and for all will cost about $10 billion.
What can one person do this Advent season?
There's an Advent Conspiracy taking place
Advent Conspiracy has partnered with Living Water International to help solve
this problem. Learn more about Living Water International (LWI). Will you help build a well?
HT: Tamara Dull
Today's suggestion to make it Christmas everyday for someone is all about water. Semper Vita is all about experiencing life through service in community. I've included two great choices to give water, give life.