Clean Water

Improved Sanitation, Improved Lives: WASH Projects in India

aheckman — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 18:08:44 +0000

Improved Sanitation, Improved Lives: WASH Projects in India aheckman Thu, 07/03/2025 - 18:08

Improved Sanitation, Improved Lives: WASH Projects in India

July 3, 2025 ~ AMY HECKMAN

Access to clean water and improved sanitation can mean the difference between health and disease, thriving and struggling, and children staying in school or falling behind. So, what options exist for communities where every resident is affected by the lack of clean water or sanitation facilities? Too often, the answer is: none.

In India, this is a reality in many villages, including those located near South India Biblical Seminary. “These communities [suffered with] water scarcity and lack of sanitation and waste management systems,” explained a church leader.

But now, a different answer is beginning to emerge for these villages. Through a transformative WASH (water access, sanitation, and hygiene) project launched by the Church of the Nazarene and Nazarene Compassionate Ministries in India, long-standing challenges are being overcome one by one. The key? A combination of trained guides and engaged community members.

Beginning in the fall of 2024, a WASH project team was assembled to provide care to villages around the seminary. The team coordinates with the pastors of local Nazarene churches and village officials in each location, and includes volunteers from the representative churches. Extensive training sessions ensured each team member was equipped to help manage and guide the project activities.

The team focused on improving sanitation practices in three of the five villages. To address ongoing issues with trash disposal, volunteers constructed new waste bins for the communities to use. Community awareness sessions provided residents with information about the health impacts of poor sanitation, and residents provided valuable feedback to the volunteers. Members of the communities willingly prepared space for the waste bins, and residents haven’t held back from expressing their feelings regarding the bins.

“We are so happy with the installation of garbage bins,” shared Vennila, a local resident. “Before, we didn’t know where to throw our waste. Now our village is cleaner, and our health is better.”

Once the bins were installed, village officials worked with team members to develop waste management plans, one of which included hiring a local resident to oversee the regular emptying of bins.

“Earlier, no one really paid attention to hygiene in our village,” shared Keerthi, another community member. “But after the awareness programs and the placement of bins across different areas, things have changed. People are using the bins regularly, and since they are placed close to our homes, it’s much easier to keep our surroundings clean.”

“These garbage bins have been very helpful for our village,” added one older resident.

The waste bin installation has caught on in the local area—after officials in the larger district saw this improvement, they recommended the idea to other villages. Ten additional communities are now copying this approach to waste management.

Another village was targeted for efforts that would reduce flooding during the rainy season. More awareness sessions provided education on best practices for waste disposal, and community members jumped in to clean street drainage ditches. The project also funded hiring local residents to help complete this activity.

Venkateshappa lives adjacent to the street drains in this village. Before the cleaning, the area in front of his house was constantly dirty. Stagnant water had become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, causing concern for his family’s health. After the ditches were cleared, he noticed an immediate change.

“The area is clean, the insects are gone, and our health seems better,” he reported.

Handwashing campaigns were launched across each village, instilling the importance of personal hygiene and its link to the health and well-being of children and their families. Local schools partnered with project volunteers to host awareness sessions. According to project leaders, approximately 30 to 45 residents attended the sessions in each village.

Local Nazarene churches have been the vital link between the project and the villages. Pastors and congregation members have served as bridges, explaining the activities and awareness sessions to their neighbors and sharing each community’s unique context with the project leaders. Churches hosted team meetings as well as sessions for residents, deepening the church’s influence in their community. In addition, pastors helped identify local laborers to hire to complete larger projects.

“Because church leaders and members are often influential figures within the village, their visible and active participation inspired confidence and ownership within the broader community,” shared one project leader.

Seemingly simple actions like installing garbage bins and cleaning blocked drains have brought cleaner surroundings to these villages, improving hygiene and reducing health risks. With each activity, the project inspires more people to work for improved sanitation, leading to true transformation. This summer, activities will include more drainage improvements and handwashing sessions, along with the installation of an overhead water tank.

Even as new activities are added to the project, the leaders have no plans to change their model of empowering local residents.

“What we are witnessing is not just improved sanitation,” said the leader, “but the awakening of empowered communities who are leading their own transformation. The WASH project is not just a set of activities or targets; it is an act of service. [We] serve with compassion, walk alongside communities, and witness transformation together.”

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Clean Water, New Hope: WASH Ministry in Malawi

aheckman — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 18:48:54 +0000

Clean Water, New Hope: WASH Ministry in Malawi aheckman Fri, 08/23/2024 - 18:48

Clean Water, New Hope: WASH Ministry in Malawi

AUGUST 23, 2024 - AMY HECKMAN

In Malawi, new water wells, a key component of WASH (Water, Sanitation, Hygiene) compassionate ministry projects, are revitalizing communities and inspiring hope among congregations and their leaders.

Pastor Singano of Liwonde Church of the Nazarene expressed his joy when the church’s well became operational: 'I am thrilled to see that our church now has access to safe water,' he said. 'Our prayers have finally been answered!'

For many decades, people near Pastor Singano’s church struggled to access clean water. Sickness from contamination was common. Tragically, one woman even suffered a miscarriage due to an illness contracted from the contaminated water supply.

“As a community, we didn’t know that bad water can lead to miscarriage,” Pastor Singano explained.

The renewed health experienced in his community is helping to magnify the message he strives to always preach—that of Christ’s gift of help and hope in this world and the world to come.

“Thank you again for the water!” he exclaimed.

Pastor Marcel came to Malawi as a refugee from Rwanda. Once a resident of a refugee camp, his calling to ministry brought him to a Malawian village to live among a poverty-stricken community and provide care for their spiritual needs.

“I know being a refugee, we also have our problems,” Pastor Marcel shared. “But, when I came to this community, and see how people are struggling to have access to water, I felt bad for them knowing all people, especially women and children, need safe water to maintain their dignity.”

Recently, Pastor Marcel has been fighting for the chance to stay and serve this community, despite government pressure to return to his former refugee camp. The drilling of a well has done more than provide improved health to his neighbors. Now, it’s changed how they view his presence among them.

“I started praying for this community, and see how people are struggling to have access to water ... the coming of water has cemented my relationship with the community,” said Pastor Marcel. “I am thankful to God that the opportunity to minister to this community is still open.”

Transforming Lives

aheckman — Wed, 13 Mar 2024 15:10:16 +0000

Transforming Lives aheckman Wed, 03/13/2024 - 15:10

Transforming Lives

MARCH 13, 2024 - LEODY TAN ECHAVEZ III

In the remote corners of Myanmar, the lack of access to clean water has been an arduous challenge for countless families. The journey to retrieve water from distant sources often stretches over many kilometers, leaving individuals grappling with the scarcity of this basic necessity.

The repercussions are dire: waterborne diseases, compromised hygiene, inadequate sanitation, and limited opportunities for education and employment. Against the backdrop of a nation plagued by civil unrest, the struggle for survival has intensified. The ongoing conflict has uprooted lives, with countless civilians displaced and homes destroyed. Farmers find their fields barren due to the scourge of war, while inflation and soaring prices make even basic sustenance a battle. The crisis has given rise to an urgent need for health education, as communities must now fend for their own well-being amid dwindling resources and rising threats of diseases.

Yet, amid these grueling situations, a glimmer of hope emerges. In partnership with Nazarene Compassionate Ministries, undeterred by strife, local Nazarene churches have initiated a life-transforming project to provide clean water, sanitation, and hygiene solutions for the affected communities. This endeavor seeks to quench physical thirst and instill a renewed sense of compassion and discipleship through the local churches' involvement.

The driving force behind this transformative project is a fervent desire to alleviate the community's suffering. After witnessing people travel great distances for a sip of clean water, local churches took on a mission to help the community. The vision extended beyond mere provision; it encompassed trust-building, relationship-forging, and a profound demonstration of love in action. The project was conceived as an embodiment of God's love and an opportunity for the local churches to show the community the same care they experienced from God.

The local churches' engagement with the community was proactive and holistic. Planning, labor, and maintenance of the wells became shared endeavors, fostering a sense of ownership and unity. The once-daunting task of accessing clean water was replaced with the convenience of wells within arm's reach. This transformation, however, transcended the physical realm. Through this compassionate service, the local churches fostered a deeper connection with the community, enabling them to share the Word of God and bring the message of hope and salvation.

TESTIMONY

The story of Maung Sai serves as a testament to the transformative power of the water well project. Initially a non-believer, Sai's encounter with the local pastor, James, altered the trajectory of his life. When asked to contribute to the well-drilling efforts, he willingly participated. As he labored alongside the pastor, conversations about faith and God were interwoven with the physical work. Through these interactions, Sai's heart softened, eventually leading him to embrace Christianity. Sai was baptized by the pastor, and his new life was paralleled by the successful drilling of the well—a symbol of both spiritual and physical rejuvenation.

The local church's support for Maung Sai extended far beyond his conversion. Regular fellowships, prayer sessions, and Bible studies bolstered his faith and nurtured his spiritual growth. Recognizing his commitment to serve, the church facilitated his enrollment at Chapman International College in Yangon, nurturing his potential for ministry. Compassion, as exemplified through the well project, played a pivotal role in Maung Sai's transformation, serving as a bridge that connected him to a deeper spiritual understanding.

MEETING THE NEEDS

For the local churches, identifying the need to access water was not merely an administrative task but a journey of understanding the community's struggles. Visits and discussions during evangelism efforts allowed the churches to grasp the full extent of the challenge. Their involvement went beyond well digging; they invested in the necessary infrastructure to ensure long-term functionality. Installing electric power meters and a compressor helped safeguard the community's access to clean water.

Through the wells, the churches addressed a multifaceted range of needs. In addition to enhancing physical health, the clean water also sparked trust and relationship-building. This comprehensive approach, grounded in compassionate discipleship, aimed at not only quenching the community’s physical thirst but also satisfying spiritual hunger. The commitment to long-term sustainability extended beyond the project's inception. A dedicated group emerged, tasked with the care and upkeep of the wells. Infrastructure improvements, including walls and roofs, fortified the wells against the elements. This approach transformed maintenance into a communal endeavor, uniting the community in their shared responsibility.

As the community embraced its role in the wells' upkeep, a deep sense of ownership blossomed. These initiatives not only cultivated practical skills among community members but also instilled virtues of patience, care, and responsibility—integral aspects of discipleship. The wells became symbols of the partnership between the local church and the community, illustrating the symbiotic nature of compassionate ministry and sustainable development, which opened doors for deeper connections and evangelism.

A NEWFOUND HOPE

In the face of ongoing conflicts, the water well project became a beacon of hope for both the local church and the community. Clean water was not only a source of physical relief but a conduit for building trust and understanding amid adversities. The wells acted as communal gathering points, strengthening relationships and offering solace in times of strife.

When faced with challenges, the local church found a unique platform for discipleship and evangelism. The well project laid the groundwork for conversations about faith, providing an entry point for sharing the gospel and building trust through compassion. The relationships nurtured through this compassionate endeavor transformed opposition into openness, resulting in a fertile ground for the seeds of faith to flourish. The water well project's impact not only transcended clean water access but also acted as a catalyst for broader development, as relationships formed around the wells paved the way for evangelism and discipleship. The wells became spaces to reduce logistical struggles and remove barriers between the local church and the unbelievers. Once symbols of adversity, these spaces were transformed into arenas of connection, dialogue, and transformation.

LESSONS LEARNED

The Myanmar water wells project offers invaluable insights for churches and organizations seeking to practice compassionate discipleship. Beyond the act of helping those in need, the project showcases the potential for ministry and evangelism, which are not separate entities but intertwined facets of a greater whole, through practical acts of love. The lessons extend beyond the confines of Myanmar, providing a roadmap for replication. Through practical service, the local church ignited a transformative process that brought together physical and spiritual well-being.

As the project continues to flourish, it stands as a testament of compassion’s transformative power, demonstrating that even in the midst of conflict, love in action has the potential to renew lives, communities, and faith.

Living Water in Malawi

aheckman — Fri, 04 Nov 2022 04:05:28 +0000

Living Water in Malawi aheckman Fri, 11/04/2022 - 04:05

Living Water in Malawi

NOVEMBER 4, 2022 · AMY HECKMAN

When Angela became pregnant at age 16, her life changed dramatically. The baby’s father denied he was responsible, and her parents refused to help her. She was unable to finish high school and graduate. “My parents could not accept me because I disappointed them while I was still in school,” Angela explains. Finding herself parenting alone without an education, Angela struggled to know how to provide for her son. She began to think of small ways to earn income and settled upon farming as one possible method.

However, growing food to eat and sell requires clean and reliable water. In Salima, Malawi, where Angela and her son live, there was no easily accessible clean water source. Some families dug their own wells but most lacked adequate shelters for the wells to prevent objects from contaminating the water. These open water sources were also breeding grounds for mosquitos, which led to elevated levels of malaria in the community. If people didn’t try to dig a well at home, they would travel to a nearby town to a water source that wasn’t reliably clean. That travel took precious time out of the day and often women and girls were the ones tasked with fetching water—leaving them less time to study or work.

Salima Church of the Nazarene wanted to send a signal to the community that their congregation was serious about cultivating relationships with their neighbors and working to improve their health. In partnership with Nazarene Compassionate Ministries Malawi, the church spearheaded a borehole well (a type of well that pulls up deep, clean groundwater from far below the surface) project that brought clean water to their property. Additionally, the project incorporated training for church and community members in WASH (clean water, sanitation, and hygiene) principles. In total, 30 women and 12 men went through trainings to ensure a large number of people knew how to manage and repair the well.

A nearby medical clinic tracked the impact of the well on community health. Incredibly, once the water source was open and being used, visits from sick people in Salima dropped by 83 percent, illustrating a dramatic decrease in waterborne illnesses.

Angela saw a change in her daily life once clean water was easily available to her and her son. “With the provision of this water well in our village, I have started growing vegetables and onions in small garden near my house,” she shared. “I always come early in the morning to fetch water.”

Angela is on a path to overcoming some of the difficulties she’s faced and is hopeful for a continually improving future. “I look forward to harvest time as I plan to sell to our local market. I [hope] to buy my own goat from the vegetables I sell. I thank Church of the Nazarene for the water well.”

Mwetheya, a member of the Salima church, sums up the impact of the well this way, saying, “This is a new church in our community with its own challenges as well. But they moved to provide the needs of the community. This helps us know that our hope should be in God alone. This borehole [well] symbolizes that Jesus of the Nazareth is the living water.”

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Water

An Integrated Health Initiative yields Healthy Solutions in Liberia

aheckman — Thu, 28 Apr 2022 20:44:21 +0000

An Integrated Health Initiative yields Healthy Solutions in Liberia aheckman Thu, 04/28/2022 - 20:44

An Integrated Health Initiative yields Healthy Solutions in Liberia

APRIL 28, 2022 · CHET BUSH

Marie Tutu of Liberia had no way of knowing that the way she arranged the dishes in her kitchen would have a direct impact on her children’s health. She, also, could not have known that vectors of disease linked bacteria from the community to her home no matter how clean she kept her family’s living space. When health alliance workers representing the Integrated Health Initiative of Nazarene Compassionate Ministries came to her community in Gompa, Marie learned about strategies for wellness that could protect her family and promote the health of her six children. Now, Marie says she stacks her clean dishes upside down and covers them with linen to protect against insect and airborne disease.

Though this change seems simple, the practice is connected to a broader system of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) solutions that position families in Gompa, Liberia, and beyond, to live longer and healthier lives. NCM’s Integrated Health Initiative promotes these health solutions by facilitating partnerships between clinical and community health services in five countries in Africa: Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, and Zambia. As an expression of the ministry of Jesus, this initiative works through local churches to strengthen existing health networks, thereby equipping members of the community to drive the solutions for public health, themselves.

Health volunteers

Marie’s kitchen organization, therefore, fits within a broader system that works to establish and protect clean water sources, build sanitary latrine facilities, clear play areas for children, and develop the terrain for safe water drainage. That simple act of protecting her dinnerware protects Marie and her family from bacteria spread through contaminated drinking water, open defecation, stagnant wet spaces, and overgrown play areas, all aspects over which she may not have immediate control. As more and more households employ the alliance’s solutions, however, WASH methods systematically challenge the spread of infection and disease. And residents have embraced a core value in the mission of the Integrated Health Initiative: by focusing on children and mothers' health, these innovative methods yield positive results for the entire community.

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