In drought-ravaged Chennai region, ministry pumps clean water for thirsty
STONEY CREEK, ON — As devastating water scarcity continues to ravage parts of South India, faith-based agency GFA World (Formerly: Gospel for Asia, www.gfa.ca) today reports that “Jesus Wells” are pumping life-saving water for thousands of desperate families in the drought-stricken Chennai region.
The wells, located in the communities on the outskirts of the megacity Chennai, India, are quenching the thirst of 2,000 people a day, under the supervision of GFA-supported local pastors.
Across South Asia, these unique Jesus Wells provide a reliable supply of clean water for thousands of remote villages, where people used to trek miles on foot every day to dirty watering holes or rivers. In 2018, GFA World helped drill over 4,000 clean water wells.
More than 500 million people living in India are impacted by acute water shortages caused by drought, according to a report on August 6 by BBC News. For GFA’s special report on the global water crisis, go to www.gfa.ca/press/water-crisis
“In the midst of this dire situation, Jesus Wells are proving to be absolute lifesavers,” said GFA founder, Dr. K.P. Yohannan. “GFA World and our partners drill deep. They’re truly wells of living water — and they’re showing people that God is faithful, and that He really does care about them.”
Megacity ‘Runs Dry’
Chennai, formerly Madras — India’s sixth biggest city and the capital of Tamil Nadu state — has essentially run out of water. With monsoon rains failing to arrive, the megacity’s four major reservoirs have dried up and wells have run dry, leaving nine million people largely dependent on water shipped in by trucks and trains.
With no immediate end to the water shortages in sight, Chennai is now considered one of the world’s most significant urban water crises in recent years, says BBC News, citing a new report by the U.S.-based World Resources Institute. Desperate residents are pinning their hopes on monsoon rains in October.
India — prone to cycles of devastating drought and severe flooding — is one of 17 countries where the World Resources Institute ranks water stress “extremely high,” the BBC reports.
Jesus Wells Saving Lives
Costing an average of $1,400 per well and often maintained by local volunteers, Jesus Wells are built to last for decades and display a plaque in the local language, quoting Jesus from the Gospel of John 4:13–14.
“We praise God that the Jesus Wells are giving life-saving water to thousands of people in the midst of this current crisis,” Dr. Yohannan said.
Media interested in interviews with GFA World should contact Gregg Wooding at InChrist Communications, gwooding@inchristcommunications.com / 972-567-7660.
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Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2019, GFA World, www.gfa.ca) is a leading faith-based mission agency, bringing vital assistance and spiritual hope to millions, especially to those who have yet to hear the “good news” of Jesus Christ. In GFA’s latest yearly report, this included more than 70,000 sponsored children, free medical camps conducted in more than 1,200 villages and remote communities, over 4,700 clean water wells drilled, over 11,400 water filters installed, income-generating Christmas gifts for more than 240,000 needy families, and spiritual teaching available in 110 languages in 14 nations through radio ministry. For all the latest news, visit our Press Room at https://press.gfa.org/news.
PHOTO CUTLINE: WATER LIFELINE: In India’s drought-ravaged Chennai region, GFA-supported, www.gfa.ca Jesus Wells are supplying clean water for 2,000 people a day. “They’re truly wells of living water — and they’re showing people that God is faithful and that He really does care about them,” says Dr. K.P. Yohannan, founder of the Canadian-based mission agency.
