Gospel for Asia

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...

Over 11 million people live in Rwanda; however, most Rwandans do not have access to clean water due to drought and poverty. 1 Only 57% of Rwandans have easy access to clean water; only 5% of Rwandan households have hand-washing facilities with soap. 2 Access to clean water in Rwanda is a significant problem. 3 How does clean water benefit families? Here are some examples: Health — Drinking clean water and using sanitized and safe water for everyday tasks reduces exposure to harmful diseases and pollutants that cause persistent health issues and sickness. Clean water improves families’ quality of life. Productivity — Perpetual health issues like headaches, abdominal pain, diarrhea, fevers and other health issues prevent adults from being productive at work or regularly going to their jobs. Rwanda is a largely impoverished country; 3 work is vital to the survival of individuals and their families. Missing hours, days or weeks of work can be economically devastating to a family exper...

For decades, GFA World has provided practical help to communities through child sponsorship, vocational skills training classes, clean water initiatives and more. In 2021, GFA World expanded its ministries to Africa, beginning with Rwanda. GFA World is developing water projects in Rwanda, and we do this through national missionaries. GFA missionaries GFA missionaries connect with families, churches and communities in Africa to offer encouragement and resources. As they spend time in the villages, these GFA missionaries work with community leaders to assess communal needs and provide life-changing resources, including water resources like Jesus Wells and BioSand filters, for the people. GFA missionaries understand the culture and needs of their communities since they are from these regions themselves. Jesus Wells Jesus Wells are an efficient, sustainable and reliable source of clean water for large communities. Jesus Wells provide clean water to meet communities’ physical needs and prov...

Water is essential to human life; however, millions of people worldwide do not have clean, accessible water for drinking, cooking, cleaning and other routine tasks. 1 Clean water is essential, but it can be a luxury for millions of people experiencing poverty. Water stress is critical throughout Africa. Water projects in Africa can offer life-saving interventions for individuals, families and entire communities. Water is a crucial and rare resource throughout this continent due to limited water sources, extreme heat and drought, limited water infrastructure and contaminated water sources. Insufficient water sources Drought — Africa’s proximity to the equator produces extreme heat and dry climates; Many countries in Africa experiences less than 1,000 millimeters of rain annually. 2 Minimal rainfall creates severe drought that causes the soil to turn to dirt and dust that is inhospitable for growing crops. Surface water in ponds, lakes and rivers dry up, causing livestock to die from ...

The World Health Organization (WHO) notes how many people lack access to clean water. According to WHO, 663 million people worldwide do not have safe and accessible drinking water, meaning that unclean water regularly exposes 8% of the world to disease, dehydration and even death due to their water source. 1 Polluted water may have chemicals such as lead, arsenic or excessive levels of fluoride or dangerous microorganisms like rotavirus, cholera, dysentery or human waste. Water pollutants can cause health complications, illness or even death. According to WHO, a staggering “829,000 people die each year from diarrhea as a result of unsafe drinking-water, sanitation, and hand hygiene.” 1 Ragnar, a low-wage laborer in South Asia, is a husband and father to four children. 2 Ragnar worked hard to provide for his family, but his village struggled with water stress. The closest water source was a well half a mile from the village. Collecting water was time-consuming and difficult because vi...

Water stress indicates that the demand for safe and accessible water exceeds the supply. 1 Drought, reduced rainfall and water overuse all contribute to water stress. Some regions are prone to drought and water shortages for ecological reasons; others have dense, urban populations that strain existing water sources and systems. The highest water stressed countries include countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) such as Qatar, Israel, Lebanon, Iran, Jordan, Libya, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Pakistan. 2 According to experts, countries in MENA experience higher levels of water crisis because it is a hot, arid climate with very minimal rainfall. MENA countries are also densely populated and require more water than other countries. 1 Even high-income, developed regions like Northern America and Europe experience water limitations that stress their natural resources. Numerous countries worldwide are overusing their water supply annually and will feel the e...

What is water stress? Water stress indicates that the demand for safe and accessible water exceeds the supply. 1 Factors like increasing population, urbanization and agriculture strongly affect the strain on water sources. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 663 million people worldwide do not have safe and accessible drinking water, meaning that unclean water regularly exposes 8% of the world to disease, dehydration and even death due to their water source. 1 The WHO also estimates that by 2025, over 50% of the world’s population will live in water-stressed areas. 2 This issue of water overuse is not new; it is also not going away. These water crisis statistics are concerning, so groups such as WHO, the United Nations and more research this issue and provide water-usage guidelines. In some cities, the water supply is so limited that they are at risk of running out of water. Over the last two decades, Cape Town, South Africa, has experienced an extreme water crisis. T...

Water is an essential, life-giving resource; however, millions of people do not have accessible, clean drinking water. Moreover, most countries worldwide overuse their available water sources, creating stress on their local and global water supply. So, what is water stress? Water stress indicates that the demand for safe and accessible water exceeds the supply, meaning that countries worldwide withdraw more water from their water sources annually than those water sources can sustain long-term. 1 Increasing population and urbanization strongly affect the strain on water sources. According to the World Resources Institute (WRI), many countries withdraw up to 80% of their available water supply annually. This pattern of water overuse is not sustainable, and many regions are in crisis as a result. Andrew Steer, president and CEO of World Resources Institute (WRI), claims, “Water stress is the biggest crisis no one is talking about; its consequences are in plain sight in the form of food ...

Worldwide, approximately 736 million people live below the poverty line, earning $1.90 a day or less. 1 These impoverished people in developing countries are often the same ones without access to clean water. The contaminated water they are forced to drink often makes them sick, keeping adults from earning a wage and children from gaining a proper education, contributing to the cycle of poverty. Intent on simply feeding their families, these individuals typically can’t afford better options, but nonprofit water organizations are helping provide this essential resource. For example, GFA World installs Jesus Wells in communities in need of clean water in places such as Asia. These wells are dug up to 600 feet deep to ensure water is available year-round, even in times of drought. Locally maintained, one Jesus Well can provide water for approximately 300 people for up to 20 years. Though offered in the name of and with the love of Christ, this water is freely given to all within the comm...

You may have heard of a plethora of water organizations through which you can donate clean water to those in need, but do they really make a difference? Can these organizations and their work save lives? Consider the following: The United Nations reports “about 4 billion people experience severe water scarcity during at least one month of the year.” 1 According to the World Bank, 65 percent of the world’s poor in some way relies on agriculture for their livelihoods. 2 They need water for their crops and livestock in order to earn a living and feed their families. In developing regions such as sub-Saharan African, as much as two-thirds of the population relies on surface water from sources such as rivers or lakes, which are often unsafe to drink. 3 Many water sources in developing regions contain fecal matter, arsenic or other pollutants. 4 UNICEF estimates 68 to 84 percent of water sources in South Asia are contaminated. 5 Drinking contaminated water can lead to numerous water-borne...

The United Nations reports “about 4 billion people experience severe water scarcity during at least one month of the year.” 1 In developing regions such as sub-Saharan African, as much as two-thirds of the population relies on surface water from sources such as rivers or lakes, which are often unsafe to drink. 2 Given water’s essential role to human life, these realities present potentially life-threatening predicaments. In response to this dire need for clean water, organizations throughout the world are lending aid in various ways. Some organizations focus on raising awareness of the global water crisis in effort to enact change. For example, the United Nations’ World Water Day draws attention to the millions living without access to clean water and encourages people worldwide to take action towards overcoming the global water crisis. 3 Other organizations focus on providing clean water to those in need. There are multiple organizations that dig wells in areas that suffer water sca...

Despite the vast amounts of water covering the earth’s surface, 1.1 billion people in the world lack access to clean water. 1 Those without such access frequently suffer from waterborne diseases and other health issues, which can lead to death. Responding to this pressing need for clean water, charity GFA World provides families and communities with clean water through Jesus Wells and BioSand water filters. These clean water initiatives have helped more than 38 million people in need in places such as Asia live healthier lives, and GFA World has recently expanded their ministry into Africa. For example, 34-year-old Keeva constantly battled stomachaches, caused by the dirty water she was forced to drink. 2 Her neighbors also battled various related ailments. Their only water source was contaminated. Fortunately, a local GFA pastor compassionately responded to their need by providing 200 families, including Keeva’s, with BioSand water filters, which filter out 98 percent of impurities....