Stories from the Heart
First English Lutheran Church, in Victoria, Texas chose to focus on the mission of Water to Thrive during Lent. The mission of W2T was lifted up through an adult Bible study, as well as temple talks given during worship serve. First English funded 3 water wells throughout their Lenten focus on the world water crisis.
St. Paul Lutheran Church Day School, in Brenham, Texas collected 400 lbs of coins – that’s pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters – given by the children of St. Paul’s in worship and at school chapel offerings. Those coins came to $3,000!
St. John’s Lutheran Church in Waller, Texas – Pastor Ed Wunderlich designated Lenten offerings to Water to Thrive.
Triumphant Love Lutheran Church, in Austin, Texas kicked off the original W2T wells with a large financial and spiritual response in 2008. The congregation formed a W2T Fresh Water Committee that meets regularly to continually find ways of lifting up the mission of fresh water within the congregation. Support for 2009 has already exceeded 2008 support.
Zion Lutheran School, in Georgetown, Texas participated in the 7X7 Challenge. Students were educated on the world water crisis, and then sent home with support materials to tell seven other people about what they had learned, and asking for a $7 donation to provide clean water for someone in need. This offered a simple way to educate students on the water crisis, teach the value of philanthropy, and then empower them to make a difference through a simple activity.
Concordia University, in Austin, Texas, adopted Water to Thrive as a focus for their Service Learning program for the 2008/2009 school year. The Service-Learning Leaders Program aligns students that are mission and ministry oriented with worthy causes they can participate in. Students at Concordia raised money to build a water well for the Sudi School in rural Ethiopia, raising enough funds to provide a water well, from one school, to another. Students held fundraisers throughout the school year, hosted a Water to Thrive night on campus. The students also hosted a W2T Faculty Night silent auction/dinner, inviting faculty and staff to come together for an evening of Ethiopian cuisine, a presentation on the world water crisis, and the ability to be part of the solution of providing Sudi School with a clean water source.
Abiding Presence, in San Antonio, Texas raised funds to support the Gedamba project, our largest project to date. Time was given during their Sunday worship service to share the mission of W2T and educate church members on the circumstances of life for those living with the rural water crisis. A demonstration was made by a woman carrying a jerry can from the front of the Church to the back of the sanctuary. The Pastor called out to worshippers, “who will help her!” and the congregation got involved and were all very moved by the experience. Contributions came flooding in to support the cause for clean water for our brothers and sisters in Ethiopia.
St. Philips Lutheran Church in Houston, Texas is making a difference one well at a time. Even through the impacts of Hurricane Ike, the re-build efforts, and the economy, they have still found a way to serve those in greater need. One statement that was made by a church member was “don’t look at the circumstances, look to God.” The St. Philip’s family has raised enough to sponsor two wells to date.
The ELCA and LCMS Youth Gathering welcomed Water to Thrive this past year to participate in sharing the mission of clean water with youth across the nation. We were able to spread awareness, educate youth on the water crisis, and allow them to experience (hands on) some of the burden and daily responsibilities involved in the walk for water. Through these opportunities to work with youth, we have begun mobilizing them to create sustainable change through fundraising and advocating through faith based philanthropic efforts.
Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, in Castroville, Texas sent W2T a letter to communicate all of the efforts that the congregation has completed in order to reach their goal of sponsoring a well in 2008. The congregation conducted a raffle, a fundraiser meal, and special offerings. They intend to continue their support in 2009.
Love of Christ Lutheran Church, in Weslaco, Texas sponsored a well in 2008, and has already begun sponsorship of their second well, in 2009.
