How Can Charitable Gifting Make a Lasting Impact in Communities Worldwide?
If you’re considering charitable gifting this holiday season, consider the incredible impact you could have by supporting life-changing initiatives like GFA World’s “Jesus Wells.” For communities like Pastor Oisin’s in Asia, a new water well didn’t just bring water—it brought hope, health and new opportunities to every family in the village.[1]
The story of Pastor Oisin’s village is one of resilience and faith. For years, villagers like Elouise and Harleigh struggled with long, exhausting journeys to collect barely safe water. During the hot season, their water source would often dry up, leaving them even fewer options. But Pastor Oisin and his church members envisioned a better future. They believed they could change things, so in faith, they gathered their tools and a team of volunteers to dig a well right in the heart of the village.
The project wasn’t easy. After only a few feet of digging, they encountered layers of stubborn rock that made progress slow and grueling. But Pastor Oisin’s team, strengthened by prayer and the unwavering support of their congregation, kept going. Some villagers doubted the well would ever reach water, yet Pastor Oisin’s team dug deeper, fueled by a faith that would not let them quit.
Finally, at the 25-foot mark, they struck damp soil. Hope surged. They uncovered a deep, reliable water source and dug another eight feet. At last, their village had access to clean, fresh water right within reach! The well, now known as the “Jesus Well,” has completely transformed daily life in the community.
Today, Elouise can gather water in minutes, saving precious hours she once spent making long, tiring trips to fill her containers. With easy access to clean water, Harleigh has the time and energy to focus on his tailoring work, creating new income opportunities for his family. The village children also benefit from having more time for school and play instead of water-collection duties. With better health and a renewed sense of community, everyone feels the blessings this simple well has brought.
“In two minutes, I can fetch the water,” Lilian, another villager, says. “[The well] saves my time, it saves my energy, and I can do a lot of other work because I don’t have to spend time bringing water from far places.”
Across the world, millions still struggle without clean water. But with charitable Christmas gifts like yours, GFA World can continue helping pastors like Oisin build more wells, bringing lasting change to families and communities. This season, consider a gift that transforms lives and will bring hope, health and opportunity to those who need it most.
Learn more about the charitable Christmas gift ideas offered through GFA World[1] “Finding Water Amidst the Rocks.” GFA World. July 2022. https://www.gfa.org/news/articles/finding-water-amidst-the-rocks-wfr22-07