Everyone who drinks of the water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water I give them, will never thirst. John 4:13-14

It’s almost time for the 2nd annual WOD for Water {Troy, Al}!  Last year, was a big success and this year’s event is well on its way to being even bigger!  What is WOD for Water?  It is an event to raise money and awareness for NeverThirst and their efforts to build clean water wells in third world countries and also providing opportunities to spread the gospel.  Neverthirst partnera with local churches in Central African Republic, Indi and Sudan.  The villages in these countries are among the poorest in the world, leaving millions of God’s children living in poverty, with disease, hunger and thirst. Clean water is necessary to live a healthy life and while supplying clean water to these poverty stricken villages across the world, it allows the local churches and missionaries to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the true living water! 

I’m sure you would agree that it is easy to take clean water for granted!  It’s not something we have to even think about.  Last year I went on my first mission trip to Nicaragua and was able to see, first hand, people living their lives among unclean water.  While there, we were advised not to drink the water…we should keep our mouth closed while showering and would use bottled water when bruising our teeth. While we live our lives among clean, purified, distilled water in our homes, schools, restaurants, and elsewhere; I feel it is an awesome opportunity for us to have a heart like Jesus, showing we care and giving sacrificially and then being able to see families receive clean water and most importantly receiving the word of Jesus Christ!

Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed. Proverbs 19:17Why the jerry can?  These are used daily in third world countries to get water, often walking miles to just get dirty water. Women and children are usually responsible for this, as the men are working.  While in Nicaragua, I remember one of the first “real moments” that touched my heart was seeing these little girls walking by the rancho swinging their empty buckets, then an hour or so later they would come back by with full buckets, carrying them on their head or sharing the weight of a bigger bucket by two girls holding it.  If those girls can do it, with a smile on their face, I know you can too and I’ll be there to take a picture of you doing it!

You don’t have to be a fitness maniac to participate in this event! WOD for Water is available for anyone who can do the lighteset amount of physical movement to the strongest person in town. And if that’s not your thing, new this year is a Walk for Water, anyone can participate!!  And if you can’t participate, you can still give!!! Please consider being a part of this event in some shape form or fashion…help make a difference, it will leave your heart happy!  The event takes place this Saturday, November 2, at 9:00am Bibb Graves Quad on the campus of Troy University (registration starts at 8:00).  Feel free to email me for more information or Jason Jones at jasonj@jonesmed.com.  I want to leave with you these verses and I hope they tug at your heart to give…..

Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. Hebrews 13:16

Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7

Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered. Proverbs 11:25

Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of LIVING WATER.’” John 7:38