Gospel for Asia

Organizations worldwide have been studying and implementing water scarcity solutions. At GFA World, we have found that drilling fresh water wells and providing BioSand water filters makes a profound difference in the lives, health and wellbeing of families—and their larger communities. Delivering water through Jesus Wells Some villages in South Asia wait over six months for rain. Nearly all the rivers dry up, so people travel to other villages, which can be 4 miles away or more, to gather water. Villagers have tried to store water during the rainy season, but it often becomes contaminated, leading to disease. And, during monsoon season, rivers can become dirty and smell foul. GFA drills Jesus Wells , which draw fresh water from up to 600 feet deep year-round, even in the driest summers. We use local contractors to drill multiple wells, so we can build a well for, on average, $1,400—much less than many other organizations. The local congregation maintains the well, from lubricating th...

Water scarcity definition: it is a shortage of water due to inadequate infrastructure or a lack of regular supply. That means people can’t get enough clean water to fulfill their basic drinking, cleaning, farming and sanitation needs because demand exceeds supply. Throughout the decades, organizations have used different methods of assessing water shortage, such as the ratio of how much water a specific population uses versus its total available supply. The most recent methods focus on determining levels of water stress based on the availability of water geographically within a region and seasonal fluctuations in water resources. Different forms of water scarcity exist. Physically, water resources may be overused and not meet the needs of a population. For example, changing weather patterns significantly impacts the south of Madagascar, which suffers from the country’s lowest water service coverage. Lately, more frequent and intense droughts have led to hunger and malnutrition. Econom...

Here are just a few water scarcity FAQs to consider: How much water does the planet have? Water covers 70% of the earth, but only 3% of it is fresh water. Out of that 3% of the planet’s fresh water, about two-thirds of is stuck, frozen in glaciers, or otherwise not available for human use. 1 How many people lack water? About 2.3 billion people live in water-stressed countries year-round, and 733 million of those live in high and critically-stressed regions. 2 Nearly two-thirds of the world’s population—4 billion people—experience a severe lack of water at least one month a year. 3 What are some examples of what’s happening to the world’s water? More than half of the earth’s wetlands have disappeared since 1900. 4 Central Asia’s Aral Sea was once the fourth largest freshwater lake in the world. In the last 30 years, it has shrunk to the size of Lake Michigan, due to pollution and water diversion for irrigation. As it receded, it became saltier and exposed now-polluted land, resulting ...

Sometimes it’s hard to believe that water scarcity is a problem on this planet since 70% of it is covered with oceans, rivers, lakes and the like. But only 3% of that water is fresh—and only a third of that is accessible (not frozen or otherwise obtainable). 1 Water Scarcity Definition Nearly half of the people in the world already live in water-scarce areas where they struggle to access water at least one month a year. About 75% of them live in Asia. 2 By 2050, experts predict that this number could increase to somewhere between 4.8 to 5.7 billion people. Researchers estimate that two-thirds of the global population may struggle with water shortages by 2025. 3 In the last 100 years, water use has increased by nearly six times compared to the early 1900s. 4 As a result, more and more regions are reaching limits regarding sustainable and accessible water. 5 In just four years, from 2004 to 2008, aquifer depletion nearly tripled when compared to the historical average. 6 “The world is...

GFA World has been serving people in Asia since 1979. For many of those years, we have been providing people with access to clean drinking water solutions through two primary methods. Jesus Wells Over 30,000 Jesus Wells have been drilled in the last two decades. These wells are provided to communities and villages that have no close access to clean drinking water. For example, in many communities, people were walking hours to find water and, oftentimes, it was contaminated. These communities now have access to clean water that is safe to drink and use for cooking and other needs. What makes these wells unique? First, the well is maintained by a local church and its pastor. The well becomes a ministry of that church and the water is provided free of charge to the community. The church is responsible for making sure the pump and handle are working well and the area around the well is maintained. BioSand Water Filters These filters are a great solution for individual families or small nei...

Summarizing the global water shortage problem and solution is challenging. It is important to note that 785 million people lack a basic drinking water source and at least 2 billion people use a water source that is contaminated with feces. 1 That’s a major problem that leads to serious waterborne diseases and even death. Consider a remote village in South Asia where a young girl must walk 3 hours to access water. Sometimes, the water she collects is contaminated with feces or other pollutants. She may bring water back to her family, but that water is likely to give them a waterborne disease. The process of collecting water also keeps her from school and continues the cycle of poverty in her family. While the water shortage problem is most urgent in developing countries, it is wise not to overlook the issues in developed areas. For example, more than 30 million Americans live in areas without access to safe drinking water. 2 Cape Town, South Africa, is an interesting example of the wat...

Scientists and entrepreneurs are working diligently to find water solutions through technology. These solutions may be the key to bringing clean water to developing countries and to areas impacted by drought. While the full technology advancement list would be long, here are some intriguing water solutions being brought forward through technology. Solar solutions Solar solutions are becoming more widely used. Whether it be solar-powered desalination plants or individual home solutions, scientists are using the sun to provide clean water. One innovative project is the Source Hydropanel, which can provide up to 10 liters of water a day. A solar panel is used to heat sponge-like material to create condensation. The condensation accumulates and is then filtered. This is just one example of innovation that is solar powered. 1 The Drinkable Book Can a book filter water? Scientists think so! The Drinkable Book is a filtration tool and each page contains a way to sanitize water up to 99.9%. It...

Hydration is essential for life, and that’s why water solutions through technology and access to clean drinking water solutions are so important. It is estimated that 785 million people lack a basic drinking water source—either fresh water isn’t available nearby or the water that is available is contaminated. What is the answer to the growing problem of fresh water scarcity? Here are four important clean water solutions to consider: Advancements in Desalination Cleaning up the water is essential and so is finding other sources of water for the growing population. Desalination is the process of removing mineral components from a substance. In this instance, we’re referring to transforming saline water into fresh water. This makes it safe for humans to drink. Advancements in desalination are promising, but not yet available on a large scale. One report expects desalination capacity to double between 2016 and 2030! 1 Major advancements are being reported from around the globe. New metho...

Many nonprofit organizations worldwide are doing their part to help solve the global water crisis. Non-governmental organizations, alliances and ministries crisscross the world to address global and local water issues. No single organization can solve the water crisis on its own. The issues surrounding water, and the global crisis, are varied. For instance, the tap water contamination in Flint, Michigan, is an entirely different issue than the environmental water scarcity facing most of sub-Saharan Africa. London, England, is nearly at capacity to provide water to its citizens, but this issue is separate from a rural South Asian village’s lack of any nearby water source. The world needs organizations examining sanitation, desalination, global warming and population management. Each of these areas is related to when, how and where we draw our water. Nonprofits that can work closely with governments are needed as well as those that can innovate water filters. GFA World has been working...

There are many types of water organizations. Some of them aim to give access to water, while others emphasize sanitation, which is closely linked to clean water. Each organization is part of a much-needed global effort to provide and maintain access to sufficient safe water for the world’s population. The World Economic Forum in 2019 called the water crisis one of the largest global risks over the next decade. 1 In 2017, the World Health Organization and United Nations Children’s Fund reported that 2.9 billion people do not have access to a safely managed source of water. 2 And it’s not purely a socioeconomic issue. Large portions of the western United States face water scarcity, evidence that factors beyond wealth and country of origin contribute to water access. Organizations that focus on sanitation include the UN, UNICEF and the WHO. Without an understanding and plan for proper sanitation, potential water sources could be jeopardized. Still other organizations focus on education...

Clean water organizations worldwide are bringing multiple solutions to different parts of the planet to provide safe water for the millions without access to clean water. Nonprofit organizations, such as World Water Council, UNICEF, Water.org, World Water Forum, Rehydrate.org and GFA World, have dedicated resources and funding to solving what many have determined to be a growing, global crisis. Safe water is a multi-layered issue ranging from sanitation to weather patterns to population sizes. Different organizations offer different solutions that fit varied environments. WHO and UNICEF are jointly monitoring the worldwide progress that organizations are making together. 1 This helps groups like GFA World and Water.org know how they are helping the water crisis. Organizations working toward safe water provide things like personal water filters, wells and group water filters. GFA World has drilled more than 30,000 wells in multiple countries. Dug up to 200 meters – or 600 feet – thes...

Up to 60% of an adult human body is made up of water, and human lungs by themselves are 83% water. 1 A human can go several days without food before essential bodily functions start to shut down. Water, on the other hand, is needed daily. Yet, close to 2 billion people do not have adequate access to water for their basic biological needs. Another 4 billion do not have reliable access to water at least one month a year. This is why the world needs organizations focused on clean water charity. The United Nations has committed to having clean water as a top initiative for a decade, from 2018-2028, because of its global importance. Nonprofit organizations, such as World Water Council, UNICEF, Water.org, World Water Forum, Rehydrate.org and GFA World, have dedicated resources and funding to solving what many have determined to be a growing, global crisis. These and other water organizations can make a difference. Access to water that is clean is not just about what is available. It’s also ...

More than 2 billion people live in arid or semi-arid regions, which are considered too dry or barren to support vegetation due to the small amount of rainfall they receive. [1] People living in these countries are literally dying from water-borne illnesses—which is why the work that nonprofit water organizations do is so essential. According to a United Nations report, “Desertification, land degradation, and drought already affect more than three billion people, mostly poor rural communities, small-scale farmers, women, youth, indigenous peoples, and other at-risk groups. The situation is particularly acute in the dryland regions that cover over 45% of the total land area and are home to one in three people in the world today.” [2] Drylands cover about 40 percent of the earth, but deep underneath the barren land, water flows. While in South Asia, despite some villages having wells, they still often dry up during drought season. However, GFA World drills its Jesus Wells 600 feet or mo...

Some water organizations focus solely on drilling wells to address the problem of clean water access. At GFA World, however, we provide multiple solutions to providing clean drinking water to families in need. When families live near a water source but the water is contaminated, GFA World supplies BioSand water filters. These filters employ a concrete box filled with levels of fine and coarse sand and a diffuser plate to filter water and remove 98 percent of biological impurities. BioSand water filters literally transform murky, dirty water into clean, clear water that is safe to drink. In 2019 alone, GFA World provided 12,243 BioSand water filters to people in 16 Asian countries [1] , including Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka. In total, GFA World has provided more than 73,500 BioSand water filters to people in need. [2] These filters have impacted so many families, including Savina’s. Savina’s children regularly suffered from disease because their only water source was a local pond s...

GFA World follows through on its clean water charity work by making sure that once it drills a Jesus Well, the well continues to work for decades. This kind of commitment isn’t always realized in other clean water organizations; some organizations just drill a well and leave the village without ensuring there is someone to maintain it. Hundreds of millions of dollars have been wasted on water projects by other clean water organizations in rural Africa because the tens of thousands of boreholes with motorized pumps that have been installed haven’t been properly maintained. [1] Instead, these wells have fallen into disrepair. For example, only 33 out of 52 deep water borehole systems built in the 1980s by a charity in Senegal’s Kaolack region still work. [2] With non-working wells, people in these communities can easily fall into the same cycle of poverty and disease that the wells were meant to help pull them out of. At GFA World, we care for our Jesus Wells as a community. Members of...

When you want to donate to a clean water charity, it’s important to research the nonprofit so you can be confident that your money is contributing to effectively solving problems people face throughout the world. Clean water organizations vary in terms of their philosophy, geographical reach and methods of support. No one organization can solve all of the world’s problems, but each nonprofit can make a huge difference in the lives of families, as well as entire villages. Often, people simply give their money to organizations that solicit them, rather than actively researching and choosing water organizations or other charitable organizations. That often means that charities with the best marketing strategies—not necessarily the best programs—receive more money than others who are doing work just as good if not better. How to Research a Clean Water Charity One main question to ask: “What problem is the nonprofit trying to solve, and how is the organization addressing the situation?” Loo...

According to Groundwater Foundation, “Wells come in different shapes and sizes, depending on the type of material the well is drilled into and how much water is being pumped out.” 1 While there are different types of water well systems, many modern wells, and even some ancient ones, have the same basic components. Regardless of the system used, water in the underground aquifer must be reached and somehow drawn to the surface for everyday human use. Types of wells include irrigation, shallow, geothermal, artesian and sand point. 2 Water Well Lining In ancient times, wells were dug by hand. Once the excavator reached the water table, “the well was lined with stones, brick, tile, or other material to prevent collapse, and was covered with a cap of wood, stone, or concrete,” according to United States Geological Survey. 3 Though this method limited the depth of the well, similar concepts are used in modern wells. While driven wells are established by driving pipe into soft earth, most mo...

Approximately 1.1 billion people worldwide, predominantly in developing regions such as Asia and Africa, lack access to safe drinking water. 1 They often resort to drinking contaminated water that can cause severe sickness and even death. One way to address this critical need is by providing water wells to communities in need. Numerous organizations are doing just that and offer you the opportunity to help build a water well for charity, and thus improve the lives of men, women and children suffering without clean water. GFA World, for example, installs Jesus Wells , which can provide clean water for approximately 300 people per well and can last decades. These wells save women and children from spending hours each day to collect water that may not even be safe to drink and protects individuals from waterborne diseases. This water is freely offered to all in the community, regardless of religious or social backgrounds, and is a testament of God’s love and care. Over the past two decad...

Worldwide, 1.1 billion people lack access to clean water. 1 They struggle to obtain the water needed daily for drinking, cooking, cleaning and irrigation. Many people in developing regions rely on surface water, but this water is frequently contaminated and can lead to waterborne diseases and death. 2 Since water is essential to life, the lack of clean water can be grossly detrimental to lives and communities. Conversely, a properly built borewell, dug deep below the surface to access clean water year-round, can transform an entire community. For example, GFA World has been installing borewells called “Jesus Wells” across Asia for more than 20 years as part of their efforts to serve the “least of these.” More than 38 million people have been helped through GFA World’s clean water initiatives, which also includes BioSand water filters. Suhana, as a new bride, moved to her husband’s village shortly after one of the first Jesus Wells was installed. 3 She has seen first-hand its impact ...

There are multiple types of water wells, including irrigation, shallow, geothermal, artesian and sand point. 1 These wells are typically either dug, driven or drilled and vary in size and depth. 2 While in ancient times, wells were commonly dug by hand, most modern wells are drilled with some sort of rotary drill bit that excavates down to the underground water aquifer. 3 Common components of such wells include: Casing to maintain the open access into the earth while preventing debris from entering; Grout to seal spaces around the outside of the well and protect against contaminants’ intrusion; A screen at the bottom to filter sand and gravel; And a gravel pack to prevent sand from clogging the screen and to stabilize the well assembly. 4 An essential component of the well’s mechanics is a water pump, which brings water upward to where it can be accessed by the well’s user. 5 While there are many private wells, there are also public wells that provide water resources for entire commu...

According to the United Nations, “only 24% of the population [of sub-Saharan Africa] have access to safe drinking water.” 1 Water is in high demand throughout Africa, but very few people have safe and available water for daily use. Reliable water wells, robust water sanitation and efficient water filtration systems are solutions for providing clean water to people experiencing poverty, illness and drought. To donate a water well in Africa is to give new hope to an entire community. Most water sources in Africa are not nearby. In African countries, 25% of people spend anywhere from 30 minutes to 6 hours daily collecting water; women and children may walk up to four miles to gather water for their families for the day. 2 Water collection is a time-consuming and labor-intensive responsibility that prevents children from attending school and women from working or completing other essential tasks. Clean water is a crucial resource that supports health, economic stability and quality of li...