Water Missions Recruiting Churches With Water Sunday

Water Missions International is bringing its message to churches across the country this March.

The faith-based, Lowcountry nonprofit provides portable water filtration systems to villages and communities in third-world countries. Most notably, the group played a major role in assisting the people of Haiti after a devastating 2010 earthquake. 

Kevin Herr, Water Missions' church coordinator, said churches can spread the message any Sunday, but the Water Sunday drive this March is a chance to start the conversation.

"We're asking them to take one Sunday to education their congregation about the global water crisis," Herr said.

Approximately 884 million people around the world lack access to safe water, according to Water Missions. And waterborne illnesses result in the deaths of nearly 1.5 million children every year.

"The church especially has such a call and mandate to help," Herr said. 

Water Missions wants to get 50 churches to commit to a Water Sunday event, raising $5,000 a piece and, more importantly, educating their members on the cause.

"It catches hold on how basic the need for water is," Herr said.

Most congregations across the country may just be able to offer their prayers and donations. But Lowcountry residents can also volunteer at Water Missions' West Ashley facility, either helping to assemble filtration systems or working in the office.