Our History
The TLLC Story & The Founding of Water to Thrive
Water to Thrive emerged from an adult Bible study that was conducted at Triumphant Love Lutheran Church (TLLC) in Austin, Texas, during the summer of 2007. Over the course of six weeks, an average of 40 adults gathered to focus on the topics of world hunger and poverty, being exposed to a deeper understanding of both local and international needs.
During one session the study group learned about the water crisis from an organization dedicated to the efforts of bringing fresh, safe water to the impoverished, rural areas of Ethiopia. The message was simple but compelling – just $3,500 can fund a hand-dug well that will change the lives of 300-500 people (on average, only $7 per person!) with fresh, clean water to help lift them out of the cycle of poverty forever.
A few of the study group attendees came together to create a matching challenge fund of $6,000 to encourage others to make a commitment (over and above their normal gifts to the church) to provide clean water for those in need.
By the end of this session, TLLC had over the $20,000 in commitments, and by the time a check was presented to the organization to dig the wells, enough money had been raised to dig 12 wells.
The Spirit moved TLLC members to open their hearts and share their blessings with needy people in Ethiopia. Their gifts provided 12 fresh water wells, forever changing the lives of over 6,000 Ethiopians in the Tigray Region!
Witnessing this response from the TLLC participants, coupled with the cultivated nature of the Christian heart to serve God’s people in the world, Dick Moeller founded Water to Thrive through his belief that if one church can make this kind of a difference, imagine the impact when we all come together to see change though with service to God.
We invite you to ride this wave of outreach, and help us dig deep!
