How the Gift of Water Impacts Children in Tough Places
By Amanda DeWitt
In the toughest places, people say “Water is life!”
They really mean it too. They have seen firsthand what happens when you do not have access to safe, clean water.
Without a nearby clean water source, you have only two choices: Drink dirty water that could cause stomach pain, skin irritation, illness, and much more. Or walk for miles to the nearest water source, and then carry your 50-pound water container back home.
Clean water affects so many things for families. We all need it for drinking, cooking, washing, and more. When you bring clean water to the toughest places, you also do something else — your help introduce unreached people to Jesus.
When local Unto® staff teams work to drill a new well in a community, they also partner with Cru® partners like Jesus Film Project® to share the message of Jesus in the local language. Families and communities are changed by clean water and the message of hope.
Hoa’s New Home
Hoa* and her mother needed a place to call home. Because of poverty, they struggle to access life’s basic necessities, including housing.
When the local staff team and their church partners heard about their situation, they stepped in to help. They repaired an old home on the church property so Hoa and her mother could have a safe, stable place to live.
The team was able to share the message of Jesus, and Hoa’s mother responded in faith. Still, they had no clean water for their new home.
Thankfully, generous people provided funding to put a clean water well in their community. It changed everything for Hoa’s family and many others!
Today, Hoa and her mother faithfully attend the local church. Hoa’s mother also serves in the children’s ministry, teaching her and others about God’s love for them.
Mirriam’s Brighter Future
In Mirriam’s village, water had become dangerously scarce. Two wells had broken down, and the village elders were not able to fix them.
Families were forced to share water sources with their animals. They knew the dirty water could make them sick. But it was their only option.
Mothers and girls like Mirriam had to walk long distances just to collect dirty water. Their walks were so long and exhausting that Marriam often missed school. Eventually, she fell behind on her coursework and had to repeat sixth grade.
When the local staff team repaired one of the village wells, Mirriam was so grateful. After two years, she would finally have clean water and a consistent education.
After the well repair, the local team began going door-to-door, meeting the families and sharing the message of Jesus. When the team arrived at Mirriam’s home, she joyfully decided to follow Jesus. Today, she has hope. She attends school consistently and is building a brighter future.
Lorenzo’s Hope
Baby Lorenzo’s* is not here yet. But his parents cannot wait for his arrival. His mom and dad live in an indigenous community only accessible by boat. Their water is severely contaminated and often makes families, especially children, very sick.
When the local staff team brought water filters to the community, families were so grateful! They immediately saw their health improve. The children also began to experience fewer water-related illnesses.
Lorenzo’s parents received a water filter. They also had the opportunity to watch the “JESUS” film in their local language. After watching the movie, they both decided to follow Jesus.
His parents are so excited about their new faith. They will teach him about Jesus as he grows. Lorenzo will also be protected from dangerous waterborne illnesses thanks to the gift of clean water. Local churches are forming in their community so they can grow alongside other believers. Today, many people have hope now and for eternity!
No matter where you go in the world, water is life. Clean water supports every aspect of physical life. It can also help introduce unreached people to Jesus’ living water and the new life He offers to everyone who follows Him.
*Names changed for security purposes.
Ready to Explore the Difference Clean Water Makes?
Take your children on an adventure to discover more about the difference clean water makes — and how it can lead to hope. Download our FREE Little Explorers: Clean Water and Hope activity booklet. Each page encourages children to think about the needs of others while doing things like a dot-to-dot activity, coloring sheet, or bucket balance challenge. Download your copy today!
Published July 1, 2025
Amanda is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in Gift for Leadership, Kindred Spirit, and Christianity Today publications. She holds a M.A. in Media and Communication from Dallas Theological Seminary.