Every year, on March 22nd, Water Missions International participates in the observance of World Water Day, a day the United Nations declared as a day to draw attention to and take action against the critical lack of clean, safe drinking water around the world.

This year, WMI began the celebration of World Water Day in early March by hosting another annual series of Water for Life events in Charleston, South Carolina:

Fifth Annual Water for Life Gala
The Fifth Annual Water for Life Gala, presented by Barrier Island, was held at Charleston Place Hotel on Thursday, March 6. Over 400 guests enjoyed an elegant evening with live entertainment, a four-course dinner, and a silent and live auction. During one of the Gala's highlights, Water Missions International was recognized as a Good Samaritan by Samaritan's Purse for expressing love for Christ by demonstrating neighborly concern and compassion for others. This year's Gala was a huge success, and through sponsors, donors, and volunteers, WMI netted over $192,000 to support our mission to provide access to clean, safe water to people around the world.

Second Annual Water for Life Walk
On Saturday, March 8, approximately 400 walkers participated in the Second Annual Water for Life Walk. Walkers gathered at Hazel Parker Playground at 9:00a.m. to begin a three-mile, educational walk through downtown Charleston. Halfway through the route, participants filled buckets with dirty water and carried them for the remainder of the walk to symbolize the daily journey that millions of women and children must make to fetch water for their families. This year's Water for Life Walk was successful in spreading awareness about the global water crisis and netted over $30,000 to support the mission of WMI.

Water for Life Concert
Award-winning Congolese band Krystaal was featured in the Water for Life Concert on Saturday, March 8. The group performed two shows at the Charleston Music Hall and entertained hundreds with their unique musical style and powerful testimony. Krystaal helped WMI spread awareness of the global water crisis by sharing with concert-goers their personal experiences dealing with the critical lack of safe drinking water in their native country. For more information about Krystaal, please visit www.Krystaal.com.

By the grace of God, this year's Water for Life events were incredibly successful and netted over $220,000. Water Missions International would like to extend a warm thanks to all our event volunteers, sponsors, donors, guests, and participants who helped make these events an overwhelming success. Above all, we give glory to God and praise Him, for the funds raised through Water for Life events will provide clean, safe water and an opportunity to hear the "Living Water" message to people in need all around the world.

As we approach next year's events, we prayerfully seek to multiply this year's victory. Please join us in our efforts to glorify God as we spread awareness of the global water crisis and provide clean, life-saving water to those in need. If you are interested in volunteering your time to serve on the 2009 Water for Life planning committee, becoming an event sponsor, or donating goods or services, please call (843) 769-7395 or email info@watermissions.org.