Imagine setting foot in a remote, lakeside village dominated by mud huts with thatched roofs, separated by dirt paths that slope to the shore. Children come running from everywhere, regardless of the day of week or time of day. They are curious about these "Mzungus" from the West, people so different from themselves. Wondering about the hair on your arm, they ask, very politely, if they might rub it to see what it feels like. They look up at you with mud-stained rings around their mouths from drinking dirty, contaminated water. These children bring tears to your eyes.

Recently, during a trip to Africa to work on safe drinking water projects, I had the opportunity to visit several villages like this along the shores of Lake Victoria in Uganda. "The Lake" – as it is simply referred to by the people in these villages – is a source of life that provides food and some income to the many poor villagers who set out in boats to fish its waters. But because the water is not safe to drink, the Lake is also a source of sickness, misery, and all too often, death.

	Rev. Will Furlong Director, Africa Programs

Looking into the eyes of these beautiful children, there were several occasions when I was grateful to hide ensuing tears behind my sunglasses and a smile.The tears came from an understanding of what's ahead for so many of these children. I knew that many of them would either get sick or die because of the water they drink. My tears were followed by a wave of gratitude to Jesus Christ for His ability to help us do something about this tragedy – something effective that can last for all of these children's lives.

Water Missions International is taking action - working in remote African villages to provide safe water and train local villagers on how to operate and sustain safe drinking water systems. For this project, called Water for Africa, we have partnered with California-based Water for Life International who has committed to fund one third of the cost of providing safe water to 25 villages along the shores of Lake Victoria in Uganda.

Funding for another third of Water for Africa has already been secured, but we need YOU to help us complete the project. Your gift will directly change the lives of more than 62,000 people.

Africa is desperate for safe water to drink. Together, we can help save the lives of innocent children who are dying from drinking dirty water. We can provide something that will last, something we have been prepared by Christ to do. Please join us.

Blessings and thanks,
Rev. Will Furlong
Director, Africa Programs
Water Missions International