Preparations for Safe Water September are well underway across Australia! With only one month to go before people of all ages give up all their favourite coffees, teas, milkshakes, and soft drinks to drink only water for one month, we already have 138 individuals and teams signed up!
We are excited that, in 2019, funds raised by Safe Water September challenge takers and donors will go to safe water projects not only in rural Zimbabwe, but also in Vanuatu. With our partners on the ground, funds will go towards digging boreholes in Zimbabwe communities, and giving communities in Vanuatu access to water tanks.
GMP Communications Director, Elise Andrews, went to Vanuatu in July to see firsthand how communities on Ambae are re-establishing themselves on the island after twoevacuations over the last two years as Manaro Voui Volcano erupted. The challenges for communities in Vanuatu are fascinating and daunting, but the communities are hopeful that they can learn to adjust and learn how to navigate the changed landscape. We will be sharing their stories throughout the month of September.
Meanwhile, embody NSW Relationships Manager, Jessie Skelly, has recently been to Zimbabwe, along with GMP staff and a Safe Water September volunteer from Bendigo Church of Christ, Zac. Jessie and Zac are visited communities that have benefited from boreholes dug by the Showers of Blessing team, and supported by Safe Water September challenge takers over the past five years. The team has returned home on August 2nd– we look forward to hearing stories and seeing pictures of the communities in Zimbabwe!
Closer to home, GMP Partnership Coordinators and embody team members are eager to visit churches, youth groups, community groups, and schools to introduce the Safe Water September challenge to your communities. Not only is Safe Water September an effective and life changing fundraiser, it’s also an opportunity for people around Australia to learn a bit about life in Zimbabwe and Vanuatu, the impact of safe water globally, our role as global neighbours, and God’s heart for justice, health, and flourishing. We have resources, including fact sheets and Bible studies, available for leaders wanting to explore these topics under the Resources tab on the Safe Water September website.
The embody team is gathering a national network of Safe Water September Ambassadors—people who are interested in taking their Safe Water September experience to the next level and lead the change in their local communities. We have Mission Conversations and Ambassador training planned in Victoria in August, so check out the embody Facebook page for details. Ambassadors are also invited to join an ongoing online community to chat with other Ambassadors, connect with embody and GMP staff, and collaborate on how Safe Water September can have the greatest impact in Australia, in Zimbabwe, and in Vanuatu.
There’s lots on, and we would love for you to be praying for our team, volunteers, and challenge takers—wherever they may be! If you want to get involved in the challenge, head to safewaterseptember.org.au to sign up or donate, and follow @embodyau on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with news and resources.
Because every person deserves safe water.