Archbishop of York invites churches to unite with global communities for WaterAid’s ‘Made of the Same Stuff’ Appeal
The Archbishop of York has called on churches and congregations to join him in supporting international charity WaterAid’s 2016 Christmas Church Appeal, Made Of The Same Stuff, to help give water as well as hope to those most in need.
The Archbishop, Dr John Sentamu, is supporting the fundraising appeal throughout UK churches and congregations, which aims to unite us all using the theme of water, which makes up 60 per cent of our bodies and links us all biologically and physically.
Churches are being invited to hold a collection to raise money for the Christmas appeal, and WaterAid speakers will be giving talks to congregations about the charity’s work to help bring taps and toilets to everyone, everywhere, by 2030.
Dr John Sentamu, The Archbishop of York, said:
“663 million people in the world are still without access to safe, clean water. As we come together this Christmas to celebrate the birth of Jesus, please join me in supporting WaterAid to deliver clean and readily accessible water in countries such as Malawi, Tanzania and Bangladesh.
“Water is a basic essential that we take for granted – give a little to bring hope and health to many.”
WaterAid has provided a host of resources to help inspire congregations to get involved in the appeal, including fun Sunday School resources, an inspiring film, a presentation and talk suitable for all ages and a colourful poster.
Through the appeal, churches will help people in some of the world’s poorest communities gain access, such as 21-year-old Esnart Phiri, who lives in a Malawian village with her two-year-old son. Her only water source has been a muddy hole outside her village that is often contaminated.
Esnart, who is made not only of water, but courage, faith and hope for a better future for her son, said: “My day starts when I have to collect water. I go around 3am to get in line in case there is a queue. Sometimes the water stinks, and when we drink it, we complain of stomach ache. It’s hard for me to give my child the water after seeing how he suffers from diarrhoea. I don’t want to give him the water but as he is a human being he needs water to survive. For my family to have access to safe and clean water would mean a lot because we would live a healthy and happy life. I would grow some vegetables, which I would then be able to sell.”
Esnart’s village will receive clean water and toilets during the period of the Christmas Appeal, so supporters can follow the progress in her community and see the difference their money is making.
For the first time ever, nine in ten of the world’s people now have safe water to drink and use for cooking, washing, and growing food.
Every year, 78 million people are turning on a tap or using a pump for the first time. If just 8 per cent more people can be reached a year, WaterAid will achieve its ambitious goal of clean, accessible water for everyone everywhere by 2030.
For more information about how churches across the UK can get involved with WaterAid’s Winter Appeal visit: http://www.wateraid.org/uk/christmas
