Safe Water Access Is a Human Right
“And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.” Matthew 10:42 | NIV
Does it matter that children around the world are suffering and dying because they do not have access to safe water? You may be thinking, ‘yes, but what can I do about it?’
Perhaps Rev. Steve DeNeff (College Wesleyan Church) said it best in his sermon on November 3, 2024, when he said, “Jesus is for the voluntary redistribution of wealth.” Comparatively, in the west, we have far more wealth than much of the world. God calls us to be good stewards of what we have to help the vulnerable. After all, everything belongs to Him.
Sobering Statistics*
1.1 billion
children live without safely managed sanitation
(1 in 2.4 children)
600 million
children live without access to safe water sources (1 in 4.2 children)
689 million
children lack basic hygiene services
(1 in 3.6 children)
400,000 children will die this year because they lack safe water, sanitation, and hygiene
UNICEF
There Is Hope
The stats paint a bleak picture, but there is hope. The progress being made can only be seen when we look back. The data shows that development work is making a difference; all these numbers have shrunk in the past 30 years. For instance, in Sierra Leone, the death rate in children under 5 was 120 per 1000 in 2022 compared to 256 per 1000 in 1992. The numbers are moving in the right direction and there is still work to be done.
Local safe water sources will reduce this number dramatically. Children will not die from diarrheal diseases or other preventable waterborne illnesses. Children who survive to 5 years will have the opportunity to attend school rather than fetching water from unsafe sources. Access to clean water affects the health and well-being of everyone and gives them the opportunity to be a catalyst for change in their family, school, community, and country.
Transformational development in the way of Jesus walks with vulnerable children, their families, and entire communities, listening to their stories, helping empower individuals to develop sustainable solutions. No one can do it alone; nor should we try. Together, we can make the shift to equity for all.
And do not forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.
When you partner with World Hope International Canada and give to The Hope Fund, you are joining many others who desire to see vulnerable people experience opportunity, dignity, and hope. You actively choose to be a part of the “voluntary redistribution of wealth” in the way and name of Jesus. He is calling each one of us to be a part of the solution. Access to safe water is a human right. Give generously today to be a part of advancing human rights and reducing the inequalities that exist in our world.
*https://www.unicef.org/media/137206/file/triple-threat-wash-EN.pdf
