Partnering with Experts

If you have been a part of Catalyst, then you probably know about the strategic partners who help form the DNA of the Catalyst network. One of those strategic partners is charity: water. Charity: water has a massive mission and the potential to make enormous impact. When Scott Harrison founded charity: water 6 years ago he set out to accomplish two goals:

1. To bring clean and safe drinking water to developing nations
2. To restore faith in charity by reinventing it

This is why charity: water upholds a rigorous 100% model; every penny of public donations directly funds water projects. Charity: water pursues a radical approach to donor engagement by ensuring every dollar given can be tracked to a water project, and that donors get to see the end result of their contribution.

Not too long ago, Scott shared his personal testimony at a church in Seattle, and he closed with a description of his own guiding principle: "Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." Why end with this? He wants to see God's restorative work in today's world which means solving problems so women have more time to spend with their families and earn greater income, children get the opportunity to stay in school, and everyone lives longer, healthier lives. Charity: water's message isn't one of despair; it is one of immense hope.

In order to fulfill these goals, charity: water needs strategic partners. In addition to the implementing organizations they build water systems with in the field, charity: water works closely with groups like Catalyst and churches who put the vision of Christ's love, justice, and irrational generosity in action-the ones who understand that "the church doesn't exist for us," but rather "the church exists for the world."

Charity: water sees that more and more churches have shrugged off spiritual consumerism and instead actively pursue spiritual contribution. This is why they've created a new role within the organization to form an engaged, focused partnership with the Church.

Stacie Zellmer, their School and Faith Liaison, recently sat down with me to discuss why charity: water created her role. In fact, it was created as a direct response to the incredible passion and generosity of churches proactively partnering with her organization.

Stacie has already seen how the church is transforming the world, both in spiritual and physical avenues. When I asked Stacie how she viewed success she stated,

"Success would be seeing a global network of churches so excited about the impact they can see they're making on the global water crisis that they can't help but share the good news-evangelize. I want a partnership with charity: water to be a tool to enrich the spiritual formation of the church, creating a platform for them to engage their local community and help advance God's restorative work in the world."

Stacie shared one of her favorite verses that she believes shows the passions and purposes of God in her work. Isaiah 41:17 states,

"The poor and needy search for water, but there is none; their tongues are parched with thirst. But I the Lord will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them."

The church is God's answer to meet the needs of the poor and needy. God has graciously allowed each and everyone of us the opportunity to be the hands and feet of Christ here on earth. God could solve the world water crisis in a moment, but as with many things he wants His church to step in and be a vehicle of His blessing. His kingdom is present when we, His body, help quench the thirst for those in need.

Charity: water already work with experts in training, drilling, hydrology, but now they want to partner with the experts in grace, mercy, and generosity-The Church, your church. Stacie and charity: water want to provide tools and storytelling resources to inspire and encourage churches to impact the water crisis while furthering the churches goals around spiritual formation. Your church can help bridge the gap, connect continents, and unite hearts towards the passions and purposes of God.

This is why, every September, charity: water celebrates their birthday by rallying supporters around one big, ambitious goal. This year, they're focusing on Rwanda. Since the 1994 genocide, people there have been rebuilding faster than anyone believed possible. Rwanda is working towards 100% clean water coverage by 2020, and charity: water wants to help. The goal is to raise $1.7 million to bring 26,000 people in Rulindo district clean and safe drinking water. Learn more about the September campaign here: http://www.charitywater.org/september.

Stacie Zellmer wants to partner with each and every church that has a passion to bring clean water to those who need it most, that desires to see transformation worldwide.

If you'd like to learn more about getting your church involved, you can email Stacie directly at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), or connect with her at Catalyst in October.