Water is a consistent thematic element in the Bible. Noah
survives the Great Flood aboard his ark; Moses saves the thirsting
Israelites by striking a rock and bringing forth water. In the New
Testament, Jesus performs miracles like changing water into wine
and walking across the water to his disciples.
Water is a consistent thematic element in the Bible. Noah survives the Great Flood aboard his ark; Moses saves the thirsting Israelites by striking a rock and bringing forth water. In the New Testament, Jesus performs miracles like changing water into wine and walking across the water to his disciples. In Matthew’s Gospel he entreats them, “And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward.”
Today water continues to be a basic part of human survival, especially in the undeveloped countries of the world.
n An estimated 1.1 million people do not have access to safe drinking water;
n More than 5 million people die each year due to lack of clean drinking water;
n And every 15 seconds a child dies from water-related disease.
Next weekend, many of the churches of Gilroy will work together in following the commandment of Jesus to help their neighbors – in this case, people living across the world in Africa. As of now, the following congregations are involved in the Living Water program: Gilroy Presbyterian Church, New Hope Community Church, First Baptist Church and Calvary Chapel. However, all churches in town are being contacted, and more may join the effort by Nov. 11.
Chris Wheat, a member of Gilroy Presbyterian, felt a call from God to help ease the suffering in Africa. Working with his church’s mission director, they came up with a plan to attack a major problem in parts of that continent: the shortage of safe drinking water.
They contacted World Vision, a highly-respected Christian relief and development organization known for targeting critical needs in 100 countries around the world by partnering with governments, churches, local organizations and international agencies. World Vision has very low overhead costs: some 87 percent of its funding goes directly to poor people benefiting from its work.
On Sunday, Nov. 11, Gilroy’s participating churches will raise money for drilling wells in Africa (probably Zambia). This money will come through the sales of Living Water. Private Spring Water of San Martin has bottled nearly 800 cases of 1/2-liter bottles containing pure natural spring water which exceeds all criteria set by federal agencies. Bottles will cost $1 each, and 65 percent of each sale will go directly to World Vision for this worthy project. It is hoped as much as $25,000 can be raised, enough to drill two badly-needed wells.
Gilroy Presbyterian is already gearing up for another ecumenical project to serve the community. As winter nears, cold weather becomes a particular problem for poor residents of South County. Coat Day will feature an appeal for donations for gently-used and new winter apparel: coats, jackets, sweaters and sweatshirts of all types and sizes. Churches will collect this clothing and deliver it to St. Joseph’s Family Center, perhaps Gilroy’s longtime community service organization. Personnel there will ensure that these donations are given to anyone needing warm winter clothing.
To learn more about Living Water Day or Coat Day, or to learn how your church can join the cooperative efforts to reduce suffering, contact Gilroy Presbyterian Church at (408) 842-3000.
