March 22 is World Water Day. It’s a day to recognise the importance of clean water and advocate for people to have access to it. In recognition of this day, Kristy Graham introduces listeners to a few of the ways that Samaritan’s Purse is providing access to safe water around the world. Ken Isaacs, vice president of programs and government relations for Samaritan’s Purse, has a background in drilling wells. He shares about the spiritual significance of providing clean water to people in need, and he also reminds listeners how critical it is to survival.
“You can live three minutes without air, three days without water, and three weeks without food. And so water is right up at the top of the food chain of what is necessary to sustain human life.”
Ken Isaacs
Jeremiah Roberts, an engineer with Samaritan’s Purse, shares how when people lose access to clean water, it quickly affects their quality of life. Water is the largest spreader of disease worldwide, but simple interventions can have a life-changing impact.
Staff members in Uganda and Cambodia share firsthand stories of beneficiaries they have met whose lives were completely changed by Samaritan’s Purse clean water and sanitation projects.
“It’s not you’ve drilled a well, and it’s finished. The well is the beginning. The well is the beginning of hope. It’s their ability to build a future. It’s the beginning of community getting stronger.”
Barry Jessen, Cambodia Country Director for Samaritan’s Purse
Ken also explains how the location of the wells Samaritan’s Purse drills is strategic. Wells often become community hubs and gathering points. Whenever possible, these are drilled on the property of a church. When families come to have their physical needs met, they have an opportunity to hear about Jesus Christ—the only one who can truly meet their needs. In Ukraine alone, Samaritan’s Purse has drilled 20 wells on the property of churches.
Kristy also visited the Samaritan’s Purse warehouse in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, where the water systems are built and stored. A team of engineers recently designed a new community water filtration system. It is specially outfitted to be lightweight and versatile, which makes it easy to transport in a disaster situation. It can also filter both freshwater and saltwater. In the aftermath of a disaster, the system’s adaptability is critical. The unit was also designed to fit within the cargo hold of our DC-8 plane. It was first deployed to Haiti in 2021 after an earthquake.
“As we walked through the warehouse, I was so impressed. It’s not just units on a shelf, but they are manufacturing entire water systems—even welding pieces together in the fabrication area.”
Kristy Graham
The episode closes with ways to pray for the work of Samaritan’s Purse. Please join us in prayer for our staff and the people who are serving around the world in Jesus’ Name.