Blood: Water Mission representative to speak at CrossRoads Church

Water is essential for life, but access to clean drinking water is difficult for many throughout the world -- particularly in Africa.

Blood: Water Mission is a grass-roots organization that builds wells in sub-Saharan Africa to help combat the spread of HIV/AIDS. During services at 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. today, CrossRoads Church in Jackson is hosting Mike Hamilton, president of engagement for Blood: Water Mission. Hamilton will be speaking about the organization's work to provide clean water and sanitation to communities in Africa and give partnership information.

"I'm looking forward to sharing with the church." said Hamilton. "They have been very supportive and generous to Blood: Water Mission and I'm blessed that I get to share."

As president of engagement, Hamilton works with developing fundraising plans and arranging partnerships with musicians and churches. Part of his message will be about how he got involved with the mission. He also will speak about what Blood: Water Mission does, what it means to be involved, future issues facing the organization and how clean drinking water and faith plays a role.

"It will be eye opening," said Andy Cutrell, worship pastor of CrossRoads. "We are incredibly blessed in America. With all my heart, I believe we are blessed to be a blessing. We're given what we have not to horde and hold, but to give to others in need."

Blood: Water Mission empowers communities to build wells with clean water. The organization works in 11 countries in Africa. To date, they have completed 1,320 wells and served 800,000 people. According to Hamilton, nearly 325 million people lack access to clean drinking water in Africa. He said he's seen communities where people must walk 30 miles a day, four times a day and carry 40 pounds of water for their families.

"For Americans, that's unfathomable," Hamilton said.

Blood: Water Mission's efforts are expanding to include providing sanitation and hygiene. According to Hamilton, providing clean drinking water is only a partial solution. Sanitation and hygiene are equally important parts. He said in areas where there is access to sanitation, hygiene and clean drinking water, disease eradication goes up.

Hamilton said one dollar can provide clean water for one year for a person in Africa. By partnering with Blood: Water Mission, an individual, congregation or artist is able to help people across the world who would not have access to clean drinking water.

Linda Garner, a member of CrossRoads, said the Jackson church is focused on missions at all levels.

"As a church, our focus has been on global outreach and what we can do locally, regionally and in the state," Garner said.

Blood: Water Mission began in 2004 when award-winning band Jars of Clay sought to personalize the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Africa. When touring Africa, they found the disease was much worse in places without access to clean drinking water. According to Hamilton, they found people who are infected with the disease die much faster when they drink contaminated water.

Blood: Water Mission has also opened three clinics and treated more than 800 people with HIV/AIDS, providing clean water and necessary medication.

Hamilton said he hopes attendees come away with a greater sense of what the world looks like, an appreciation for community and an interest in getting engaged.

For more information, call CrossRoads Church at 204-1912. For more information on Blood: Water Mission, visit www.bloodwatermission.com.

apicar@semissourian.com

388-3648

Pertinent address: 4400 E. Jackson Blvd., Jackson, MO