News Archive

News Archive

Turning on the tap

Posted by Andy Carlisle on 5 May 2009

More than 30 people walked from Tynemouth to Whitley Bay to raise money for the Samaritan's Purse Turn on the Tap campaign on May 4th. It was great to chat and enjoy each others' company, while remembering that the distance we walked that day is the average distance that people in Africa have to walk to get fresh water. We raised around £400.

Every day I walk along my corridor at work, up the stairs and make myself a nice cup of tea. If I had a penny for everyone who told me it was a long way down the corridor to see me, I'd be a millionaire! It is so simple for me to quench my thirst, I never have to be without, refreshment and enjoyment on tap.
Water is a vital necessity, but not just the clean, pure stuff that comes from the tap, each day. Jesus used it as a metaphor for life. The Samaritan woman who came under the heat of the midday sun to draw water got much more than she expected from Jesus - recognition, validation of her as a person, not just a hated neighbour, and someone who looked inside her, knew all about her and loved her still. He went on to offer her life, a full life, when she would never be thirsty and have relationship with God forever.
When we enable clean water and sanitation, we don't just prevent people from dying prematurely from disease and thirst, we offer the practical expression of love, that says "you matter, have dignity, are important, are human". It's not an added extra, it's reflecting the love of God, in those who bear his image.