In the rural village of Tra Vinh, Vietnam, life was a daily struggle for Cuong and his family. With no access to hygienic latrines or clean water, the family endured hardships that many in the world could hardly imagine. Like many others in his community, Cuong worked tirelessly in the rice fields, lifting 40-kilogram sacks onto trucks for about 300,000 VND (roughly $18 AUD) per day. This income had to stretch far to meet the family’s needs, and one of their greatest expenses was water.
With no access to a well or the town’s water pipeline, Cuong’s family relied on purchasing water from a neighbour. This cost them 300,000 VND per month—more than twice their electricity bills and five times the cost of their previous water source. When they couldn’t afford to buy water, they had no choice but to drink and use unclean water stored in a concrete tank.
“We store the water in a large concrete tank for various uses, despite its lack of cleanliness and occasional discolouration. This situation leaves us with no alternative but to use the water regardless of its condition,” shared Cuong’s elderly father.
For Cuong’s wife, children, and father, the lack of clean water brought both physical and emotional challenges. The children often suffered from skin diseases, and the family bathed outdoors at night, which was both awkward and unsafe. The cycle of poverty and water insecurity seemed unending.
But in 2020, hope arrived in the form of the Samaritan’s Purse Genesis 41 project. By 2024, the initiative had installed water pipelines reaching 1,104 households in the Cau Ngang District of Tra Vinh, including Cuong’s family. In addition, the SHINE project provided 180 families with new latrines and showers, ensuring access to safe and sanitary hygiene facilities.
Cuong, upper left, and his family can enjoy a sanitary bathroom and shower now that water reaches their property.“I am thrilled to announce that the period of water scarcity for our family has come to an end. We no longer need to rely on our neighbour’s water source. My children and wife no longer suffer from skin diseases or need to bathe outdoors at night,” Cuong shared. “I no longer need to borrow money to buy water, and I can now save for my children’s education.”
With access to clean water, Cuong’s family has experienced a transformation. The daily stress of meeting their basic needs has eased, and they have newfound hope for the future.
“Access to clean water has not only improved our daily lives and sanitation but has also resulted in significant cost savings. I am truly grateful to Samaritan’s Purse for constructing our latrine and bringing clean water to our village,” Cuong expressed.
The Genesis 41 project has done more than install pipelines—it has restored dignity and health to a community long burdened by water scarcity. Clean water now flows not only into homes but into the hearts of families like Cuong’s, who can finally dream of a brighter future.
This Christmas, you can be a part of transforming lives like Cuong’s. Through the Samaritan’s Purse 2024 Gift Catalogue, a small gift can make an enormous difference. A donation towards clean water is more than a gift—it’s a lifeline.
Join us in bringing the joy of clean water to families in need. Together, we can transform lives and restore hope in Jesus’ Name.
For $75, you can help us provide clean water to communities hard-hit by disaster or villages where water is scarce.
For $100, you can bless a family with clean water so that they might come to experience Christ’s living water.
For $10,000 we can drill a village well to quench their physical thirst and also satisfy their spiritual thirst for the Gospel.
*Names changed for security reasons.