crucial year end request

The week is passing much too quickly and I know all of you are busy...so thank you for checking in even though your time is short. After several meetings regarding Blood:Water Mission, I have a year end request. First, a brief on what we are and what we do and plan to do in the future.

Blood:Water Mission promotes clean blood and clean water in Africa for tangible, physical impact on the HIV/AIDS pandemic, while also addressing underlying issues of health, poverty, injustice and oppression. We fulfill this commitment by building sustainable and personal community links between Americans and Africans, particularly in rural communities and with grassroots organizations in Africa.

These organizations consist of nationals and local community members who help distinguish the specific needs AND assist in searching for solutions. We desire long term relationships and transformation by seeking existing organizations with community trust and by growing a sense of ownership within the community.

So what does it look like in reality? Our first major campaign is the 1000 Wells Project in Spring 2004. According to the World Health Organization, $1 = 1 year of clean water for 1 person in Africa. For 1000 hours, February 16th thru March 27th, artists, bands, audiences, college and university students and faculty, pastors and youth leaders, local and national business leaders will give and mobilize the people within their communities to donate $1 dollar each toward building and/or repairing clean water well systems in 1000 different locations across southern Africa. Jars of Clay started the Blood:Water Mission and will be leading this campaign via concerts, promotion, and interviews.

What is my year end request? I'm asking you to contribute toward our operating costs for the first quarter of the year--$20,000--and frankly and humbly we need it. Going to Africa changed me, and I'd love for you to join me in my transformation by considering Blood:Water Mission as a recipient of your heart and generosity. I've been volunteering 15-20 hours a week to this organization and am a founding partner. Your donations are tax-deductible, can be made out to Blood:Water Mission, and can be sent to Blood:Water Mission, P.O. Box 682545, Franklin, TN, 37068-2545. If you have any questions, please email me or submit a comment below.