Saving Lives With Water Wells...0pening The Door To Sharing The Gospel
by Elizabeth Baroi WME National Director of Bangladesh
Shatkhira and Jessore are situated in northwest Bangladesh. These villages are located in areas where arsenic poisoning is one of the leading causes of illness and death. Pollution from industry and min- ing has created a dire problem for those depending upon surface water. Thus, fouled water has long caused community-wide problems with cholera, diar- rhea and typhoid. Now with arsenic poisoning, the situation has grown even worse.
Only 25% of the very poor people who reside in these districts have access to safe drinking water. Those who do not have access to these wells are getting water from shallow wells that range in depth from 40 to 70 feet. The layer of soil from which this water is drawn is also the most seriously affected by arsenic. More than 70% of those using these shal- low wells are suffering from arsenic-related skin dis- eases. One of the saddest facts is that children and women are the ones who seem to suffer the most. Many are becoming very ill from drinking this con- taminated water.
In February and March, through the humanitarian efforts of WME-Bangladesh, much suffering was alle- viated by drilling ten deep tube-wells in Shatkhira and Jessore. These wells ranged in depth from 690 to 815 feet, and these wells are now providing arsenic free water for over 6,000 people.
While we are thankful for these wells, we need more. It costs just $1,000 to drill and outfit a deep tube-well. And, much like during Christ’s time on earth, a water well is a gathering point for a com- munity. This allows our missionaries to share the Good News with those who come to partake of the safe water. So, drilling a well is a way to live out The Great Commission. If you would like to save lives and end suffering, this could be a wonderful mission for you.
Urgent
Needs We have an urgent need for more deep tube-wells in Bangladesh. These wells save lives and provide the opportunity to share the Gospel. Cost per well is $1,000. Each well will serve at least 500 people.
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