Crack or Clean Water?

3 Reasons Why We Followup
Part of our missionary work involves a project that is very dear to my heart. We distribute water filters to those who lack clean, safe drinking water. Here is our strategy in a nutshell:
  • Connect with local pastor
  • Map out area of need
  • Install water filter
  • Connect pastor with locals (the filter recipients)
  • Follow up

Pretty simple. There is no need to complicate the matter. The last bullet point is our most challenging as well as a very important part of our strategy. Follow up. Here is why we work hard at following up.

1. Stewardship
Our supporters give their hard earned money to support our ministry. We are responsible to make sure their support is being used in the most effective way. We have a supporter who gives $5.00 a month. This is given out of faith and sacrifice. We honor our supporters by being the greatest stewards we can with their support.  They deserve it.
“A dog goes back to its own vomit” and “A scrubbed-up pig heads for the mud.” See 2 Peter 2:22
Please hear me-I am not calling those who receive our water filters dogs or pigs. I am saying this principle applies to us being responsible.
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For example, we were able to give some water filters a few years ago to some very poor people that were in desperate need of clean, safe drinking water. They were actually living in a garbage dump and drinking water from a shallow hole in the ground. They called this sweet water. They were so happy to receive this water filter and referred to it as a blessing and dream.
Upon follow up, we received news that the “blessing” and “dream” was sold or traded for crack cocaine. In the Crack lands of Rio crack goes for $2 reals. That is .50 (fifty cents) in US currency. The filter costs $50 US Dollars. My heart breaks for those who sold the filter for such a small price. It breaks because they were not quite ready for the true blessing it could have been. I pray one day they will be.
My friend Steve Downey has written a book that breaks down the positives and negatives of this type of work and the importance of giving with the correct intention. He has been with me several times down the Amazon River.
2. Demonstrates Value
     When we follow up we show value to:
     a. the people 
As in the story above, when we follow up we show the people that we not only want to give them a handout, but we value them enough to check in and see how we can further improve their situation. This is also vital in building relationships. We assign a pastor or community leader to follow up with every project.
     b. for the filter
If we spend the time, money and energy to revisit, it demonstrates the value we have for the filter itself to the people who receive them. It is not just a cheap giveaway, but an instrument that can transform their lives.
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3. Extends Scope of Involvement
This is crucial. I am leaving next Monday to do a follow up trip to an area we distributed 200 water filters to in March. They have now had 6 months of using the filter. Next week we will see how effective the filters have been. More importantly we will see if the mindset of the riberinhos is changing. Have they bought into the need of the filter? Have they created the all important habit of filtering the water for drinking, cooking, etc.?
I bring in other Brazilian local missionaries in this segment of the project. They are connected to the people and are the boots on the ground that can further assist in spiritual needs.
This is the model we use not only for filter distribution, but for discipleship as well.
These follow up trips are not without expense. If you would like to give towards this part of the ministry please follow up with that thought and click HERE. 
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