Operation Blessing Transforms Lives Through Global Clean Water Initiative

Operation Blessing’s clean water programs are turning dreams of clean water into reality for hundreds of remote villages around the world each year. During the last fiscal year, more than 59,000 people received clean water, changing many lives for the better. During the same period, donors provided more than 300 water systems in these villages.

Children in the Perez family in Mexico used to trek long distances every few days to get water needed for drinking, bathing and washing clothes, but now they have it stored safely nearby. Living just outside the town of Jiquipilas in the Mexican state of Chiapas, this family, like the others in their small community, suffered the uncertainty of water scarcity. They needed an efficient way to gather and store water, especially during dry periods.

Their father, Joaquín, led multiple trips for water each week. But, as is all too often the case, the water wasn’t clean and caused health problems such as stomachaches and headaches. As much as they wanted to, Frederico and Diana’s parents were unable to change this difficult situation for their children.

“But thanks to your thoughtfulness, the families of this village now enjoy a very different reality,” according to Operation Blessing’s WASH programs. “In response to the town’s need, friends like you made it possible for Operation Blessing to intervene. We met with the villagers and found a way to improve their communal water system by installing a water tank with chlorination and ensuring that all of the homes would have full access to this vital resource. This water solution in Mexico would prove to be lifechanging, as the entire village did not suffer from the stress of water scarcity.”

The health of the villagers also improved.

“Our way of life has already changed, and we believe it will change even more because we are taking care of the water,” Joaquin said. “We feel thankful, because we hadn’t received help from anyone, and Operation Blessing’s supporters provided that help.”

Operation Blessing provides humanitarian services such as strategic disaster relief, medical aid, hunger relief, clean water and community development. Founded in 1978, the ministry has touched the lives of millions of people in more than 90 countries and every state. For more information, visit www.ob.org.