“Water is life, and clean water is health. “— Audrey Hepburn
Clean, pure water. It really is the stuff of life. And it’s such a non-issue in the Western world. When we need a drink, we turn on the tap. But for millions of men, women and children living in places across Asia and Africa, access to clean water is more than just a challenge; for many, it doesn’t exist.
Imagine for a moment preparing a simple meal for yourself or your children. You’ve probably made breakfast thousands of times. Now imagine that the only available water is contaminated with bacteria, heavy metals and even feces. Imagine what it’s like to feel thirsty or hungry and have no other option. Can you?
That’s not the setting for a dramatic movie script; it’s real life. And it’s why Gospel for Asia (GFA) strives every day to help families in Asia gain access to clean, healthy water, through solutions like BioSand water filters. They are simple, effective and can change a family’s life.
The Need for Clean Water Can’t be Overstated
Throughout many parts of Asia, clean water is either unavailable or it’s challenging to access. The numbers are staggering. Some estimates place surface-water contamination levels at 80 percent or higher in Asia. According to a 2016 Water Aid report, over 75 million people in one Asian nation have no access to clean water. That’s the highest concentration in the world. As surface-water contamination increases, groundwater reserves decline. More and more families either use polluted water or are forced to buy clean water elsewhere, a trend that’s only predicted to grow. Prices for clean water can be as high as 20 percent of a poor family’s income.
Sadly, contaminated water leads to illness and even death. Hundreds of thousands of Asian children die each year from diseases contracted by drinking and using contaminated water. That’s hundreds of precious children’s lives lost to preventable diseases every single day. Adults are not immune to waterborne disease either.
BioSand Water Filters Bring About Miraculous Changes
“And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward.” — Matthew 10:42
Sometimes, a simple kindness and a straightforward solution are life-altering in the best of ways. That’s the case with BioSand water filters. They need no electricity, no complex construction and no special tools or maintenance. Once set up and in operation, a family can turn life-threatening, contaminated water into clean drinking water for years.
These filters are often made from concrete with defined layers of washed gravel and sand inside, although some filters have a plastic or non-toxic housing. Once a biofilm layer develops and matures inside the filter, which takes up to four weeks, they continually eliminate an incredible amount of dangerous pathogens and solids. They also remove odors and colors, making water look and taste fresh, along with truly being safe to drink.
In January, GFA-supported workers visited one poor family who had received a BioSand water filter for their household. The funds to provide it were given by a generous donor, and the construction provided by the local Believers’ Eastern Church. This family below now experiences God’s love and tender compassion each day through the gift of healthy water.
Sadly, the wife and mother of this family had already fallen ill. She is not pictured above, as she was away from home being treated for her illness at the time of the visit.
“I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and justice for the poor. Surely the righteous shall give thanks to Your name; the upright shall dwell in Your presence.” — Psalm 140:12-13
God’s love is boundless. He dries the tears of the weary and lifts up the brokenhearted. He cares about His children, even (perhaps especially) those who suffer most. Through the works of Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported workers who share God’s love by providing cups of clean water, fewer families are losing their children to preventable diseases. Fewer families suffer the heartbreak of debilitating or incurable illness. The most basic human need—clean water—is becoming attainable, even to the poorest of the poor, whom God loves just as much as us in the West.
Will you help us provide BioSand Water Filters to families in Asia without access to clean, drinking water?
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