As of early December 2008, over 11,000 cases of cholera had been reported by the Ministry of Health in Zimbabwe in the previous four months, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). With such suffering on our doorstep, 3D-Outreach, along with many other organisations throughout South Africa and neighboring countries, were faced with the question: “What are we going to do?”

Cholera is a gastrointestinal disease resulting from consumption of contaminated water or food. It is sudden and acute, and if untreated, leads to rapid dehydration and potentially death. The good news is that cholera is preventable…provided there is access to clean and safe drinking water. Recently, 3D-Outreach, in conjunction with BU Relief, had the opportunity to be a part of making clean water available for thousands in the Bulawayo and Harare areas.

On 9 March 2009, thanks to the assistance of MAF (Missions Aviation Fellowship), two large water-purifying units accompanied by two generators and extra filters and piping were flown to Zimbabwe. Each unit can clean between 1000-1500 liters of water per minute, depending on the quality of the source water. Each filter will last from 6 months to a year, allowing them to serve a large number of people and potentially save hundreds of lives. Upon arrival, the water purifiers were offloaded and transported to the care of some pastors at Bulawayo Baptist Church. There, they were trained in how to use and care for the purifiers, including the generators and filters. The response to the delivery of the purifiers was one of great excitement, for these units represent hope for the people of Zimbabwe in a practical way.

We want to extend special thanks to the BU and MAF for the privilege of partnering in such a project. We continue to pray for our brothers and sisters across borders and serve them by any means possible, and we appeal to each of you to p lay your part in being the hands and feet and voice and compassion of Christ in whatever situations in which you might find yourself. To God be the glory!

Filed Under: News and Stories
Associated Tags: 3D Outreach, Bulawayo Baptist Church, Cholera, Drinking Water, MAF, Ministry of Health, Missions Aviation Fellowship, South Africa, WHO, World Health Organization, Zimbabwe