I want to start this post by saying that what I am about to write on is not a sponsored post and I am not receiving any compensation for it.

What I do want to relate to you is how much the following organization touched my heart and I am not even on the receiving end of their charity.

In September of 2016, the kids and I had been talking about the need of clean water for many people in the world.  We discussed children who, even if school were available to them, many were not able to go because most of their day was spent walking to a source of water (not clean) and then back home.  We even went outside to the puddles and contemplated what life would be like if that was the only kind of water we had to drink.  It was then we decided to do a fundraiser to help provide clean water to those in need.  You can read about it here.

Builder and Princess did great saving their coins in a jar and asking family to help in their efforts.  Others donated as well and we were able to raise $78.  Now, in total honesty, I was a little disappointed at this.  My heart so desired to help with this issue that to me $78 felt small, almost insignificant.

Fast forward to June 2018.  This past week, I received an email from charity: water, the organization we chose to give to the mission of clean water for the world.  The email was titled “Your Completion Report”.  It explained how our funds along with 118 other donors helped to rehabilitate (fix) a broken well in the small village of Kabra Yahaya, Niger, Africa.  The charity: water repair team partnering with World Vision Inc. fixed a broken or abandoned non-charity: water well in this village restoring clean water to the community.

419 people were helped with this project.

I love not only that charity: water has the desire to provide clean water globally, but also that they are wise and resourceful about how they do it.  Strategies such as fixing wells that are already established but not working, or the fact that they partner with organizations that are local (World Vision Inc.).  This tells me that they are not simply there to do a one shot deal.  Their true passion is clean water for the long haul in as many places as possible.

As I read through the email with my kids, looking at the Google Map pin provided in the email (click here to see our project village) to see the village “for real”, my heart was filling with joy.  Being able to show my kids that real people were helped and that the money didn’t just go into this realm of the unknown was priceless.

To be able to praise God for the fruits of His resources is such a joy.

And, if I am to be honest, I teared up as I looked at the list of the other 118 donors who helped to fund this project.  Oh, I feel the tears again!  What touched me most (and humbled me) is that almost every other donation was right around $80.  That which I thought insignificant, became significant.  It was a powerful reminder that the Lord will use what we have, especially when we give with a joyful heart.  A heart that holds His love for the nations.

I encourage you, whatever may be in your heart…a mission, a desire to help.  Give from what you have.  It may not seem enough, but in God’s hands it truly is enough.  I cannot help but think about how pleased Jesus was when the widow gave her two coins at the temple, recounted in Mark 12:41-44.  It stood out to Him and pleased Him enough for him to point it out to His disciples, who would not have even noticed it or may have even scoffed at it.

Will we be working with charity: water again?  I think so.  Will we continue to move forward in the passions that Father has placed in each one of our hearts?  You bethca!

And You? ~ Have you worked with an organization that you have come to love?