VBS Water Project

Hello folks, it won’t be long until we are at the Grove with lots of kids having a blast at VBS. Some of the things that make the outdoor VBS work so well is the spraying that keeps the mosquitoes away and the always necessary restrooms! Speaking of restrooms, did you realize that when you flush a toilet just once at the Grove you have used more water than rural African families use for one day of washing, cleaning, cooking and drinking. Here are some more sad facts about the lack of clean drinking water in Africa:

· Every fifteen seconds someone dies of a waterborne illness that is 5,760 people a day, or over 2 million people a year. Most of these are children.

· Each year, water-related diseases kill more people than AIDS and cancer combined.

· Integral to this horrible cycle, sickness and disease resulting from the consumption of contaminated drinking water destroy the strength and development of African families and communities. This leads to extreme poverty, lack of education, tremendous inequities, and greater illnesses, creating conditions ripe for the continued spread of HIV/AIDS. Caught in this downward spiral, it becomes difficult, and most cases impossible, for individuals to progress out of their terrible plight.

· Although circumstances vary, water wells can be dug for as little as $2000. On average, as little as $10 can provide one person with clean water for an entire lifetime.


Our VBS this year is “Take the Plunge! Make a Splash with Jesus,” we are going to have a blast with this water park theme so why not take this opportunity to bless kids in need of water? We have decided at our last meeting to have the boys and girls compete each night to see who can raise the most money to donate to the water and sanitation ministry of World Vision in Africa. Through their offerings they can give life giving water as they learn about the Jesus and have a blast getting wet at VBS. The money is used by World Vision to dig wells, manage sanitation and irrigate crops. Please check out the websites in the "Cool Links" section of this blog to see what a blessing and opportunity there is for the kids to make a huge splash for Jesus in the lives of needy children! Encourage your kids to visit the “Water Matters” link so they can meet some kids they are going to bless!