Steve Young, Executive Director, Living Waters for the World
Hope seems like a scarce commodity these days – and a concept at best. War in Ukraine and in the Middle East. Governmental collapse and violence in Haiti. A fraught political climate here at home – and hurricanes! The list goes on. It is little wonder that levels of anxiety and despair are high. And yet, the message of Advent whispers, “Don’t give up!” – “I am with you – Emmanuel”.
It is into the thick of that contradiction that God calls the church and calls us at Living Waters for the World. Brothers and sisters, coming together across cultures, working side by side and confronting the very real need for clean, sustainable water a tangible hope.
There are so many stories to tell; here is one:
Living Waters for the World has entered into a first-of-its-kind partnership with Presbyterian Disaster Assistance to increase access to clean drinking water in Haiti during this time of unrest. The partnership will involve the restoration and installation of multiple water purification systems by Haitians for Haitians, bringing a tangible hope to the people of Haiti. The first water system restoration has been successfully completed at the Leogane Children’s Orphanage in Darbonne! The Rev. Jean Claude Charlier, director of the orphanage, says, “Thank you for the repair of our water system which makes it possible to bring a significant change to the precarious health situation of the population. We come with these words to say a big thank you for this gesture of solidarity which shows the interest you have for the well-being of the children, the staff of the orphanage and the surrounding community.”
A tangible hope. The video below is one that reminds us that light overcomes darkness, and we are all called to be people of light. Emmanuel!