How one man helped give thousands of families in India the gift of clean water

When was the last time you gave someone a glass of water as a gift?

Most of us probably never have. In India, where people die daily due to dehydration and water borne illnesses, water may be the most precious gift you could give. In India, 21% of all communicable diseases are related to unsafe drinking water (World Bank). And, it is estimated that 665 million people in India defecate outside in open sewers or fields, leading to infected water sources. Most sobering, the Indian Association of Pediatricians records that Indian infants, below the age of five, make for 25% of the total global deaths due to diarrhea-related causes.

Statistics like these can be overwhelming, especially for those of us who have few concerns when filling a glass of clean, cold water from our taps.

However, being informed of this truth can also lead to action, as it did for Jeff Evers, who worked with India Partners to bring clean water to thousands across India.

In April 2011, Jeff and his company, Asian White Coffee, collaborated with India Partners to install 13 water wells in 13 villages. Thanks to this partnership 6,500 families now have access to clean drinking water.

Jeff was inspired to give and help those without clean water after reading a book called “The Hole In Our Gospel” by Richard Stearns, President of World Vision.

“It does a very good job of pointing out the differences between what we, in America, have and what most other countries do not,” Jeff said. “The lack of clean water kills more people than just about everything else and it seems such a simple thing to give. So I started a company with the sole purpose of providing clean water, education and medical supplies.”

Today, Jeff’s company helps numerous non-profit organizations that are working to serve the poor worldwide. However, in addition to providing funds, Jeff said he hopes to travel to India one day to help in person.

Installing the wells in person is just as much a ministry as the wells are themselves. While installing the 13 wells, donated through Asian White Coffee, India Partners representatives were able to meet the villagers and show the love of Christ in action, providing living water along with clean drinking water. Village leaders and community members expressed their gratefulness for this act of love and concern.

One woman, named Parvathi, put her trust in Christ because of this expression of love. Accustomed to walking a long distance to collect her drinking water, she was overjoyed at the provision of the well in her village (now near her house).

Wondering how you can give the gift of clean water to those in India?

• Donate a water well for $155
• Work with your company to set up a matching fund.
• Collect funds with your classroom or youth group and donate them toward the full price of a water well.

To give today, click “Donate Now” and select “Water Wells” from the drop-down menu. Thank you.