Beyond scarcity: Power, poverty and the global water crisis

Our friends in the United Nations Development Program put toget a wonderful report entitled 'Beyond scarcity: Power, poverty and the global water crisis' a while ago.

In this report they show that there are varying levels in which the access to water impacts upon the poor.  

First is the issue of access (scarcity).  If one cannot get water, a most basic of needs, you will suffer a great deal.  Not only can you not meet the basic needs of your body, to hydrate yourself.  It also denies your human dignity.  You cannot clean yourself.

Second, this report highlights that it is not only access to water that impacts the poor, it is also the way in which the water is delivered that can compound the suffering of the poor.  In the report they highlight how frequently the delivery mechanisms pollute the scarce water that is so desperately needed. When the water is polluted and consumed it causes disease that quickly leads to people dying, since the poor seldom have access to basic health care.

I would encourage you to watch the video below.  It is well done, very informative and can be a great source of information to direct your prayers and Christian response to the issue of poverty.

As a Christian what could you do, and pray, to see this situation changed where you live?  How about praying, or acting, on behalf of Christians in other parts of the world (such as India, Nigeria, or Rio)?

You can join 100 million other Christians who are adding their voices to show God's love for the poor, and God's desire to transform those who are caught in corruption - sing up for 'EXPOSED - Shining a light on corruption' at http://www.exposed2013.com

Please pray for Prof Steve de Gruchy and his family

Further to the original post below I received this message from Dr Ross Olivier in Pietermaritzburg:

Dear All

I have just been informed that Steve's body was found this morning. A memorial service will be held in the Anglican Cathedral in Pietermaritzburg at 15h00 on Saturday.

Please continue to pray. Grace, Ross

This morning the following very disturbing news arrived in my inbox.

Please could I ask you to pray for Steve and his family?

Steve is one of South Africa's most prominent theologians - many of us know Steve (and his dad John de Gruchy) well. I have spent a lot of time with him at the Theological Society of Southern Africa meetings over the last decade or so. He has helped many younger theologians, myself included, along the way. This is truly sad! You can read the IOL news story here.

Here's Jenny's email.

On Sunday morning Steve and his son were going down the Mooi River on tubes, at a section on the Balcombs' place where the river was flowing strongly after the abundant rains, which have fallen in the area. Just before some rapids Steve came off his tube - his son looked back and Steve waved him on indicating that he was okay. Steve's son cleared the rapids fine, retrieved his Dad's tube and then waited for his Dad at the bottom but Steve never arrived. Him and his Mom spent about 6 hours looking for Steve and then hiked back through very difficult terrain. There was no cell reception in the gorge. Others then joined the search but couldn't find Steve. There have been search parties all of yesterday, and today police helicopters were scanning the area and police divers were going to start searching in the turbulent waters.

Please pray for this family - especially for Marion, Steve's wife and their children, and also for John and Isabel de Gruchy - Steve's parents.

The Natal Witness reported on this tragedy this morning.

This is an incredible blow for the School of Religion and Theology at UKZN - Steve is Head of School at the moment.

We are in a state of shock.

Blessings,

Jenny Sprong