The Week of 300 Students
January 23, 2014
"If young people want to make a difference, they don't need money, they need motivation."
I genuinely believe this to be true, because I see it everywhere I look. From YouTube videos, to viral stories on social media, to receiving emails from young people asking how they can get involved. Whenever young people see a problem, they don’t immediately write it off because it might be difficult, expensive, or time intensive. They see how much better the world would be if that problem didn’t exist. That’s all the motivation they need. All that to say, every time I think about making a difference, I know that I can’t do it without young, motivated people. I promise this story is going somewhere. After Typhoon Haiyan ripped through the Philippines stealing lives and leaving thousands left homeless in a land disheveled by crumbled buildings and uprooted trees, young people in South Carolina noticed a problem. Children as young as six years old were motivated to ask their parents, teachers, and friends what they could do to help. They googled for news stories and pictures, watched their news feeds on social media and searched for ways to respond. I’m thankful that for many, there were teachers, parents, and friends who shared about the efforts that Water Missions International is doing, not only in the Philippines, but also in countries all over the world! The response was overwhelming and exciting. Within days I started to receive requests for students to come tour our facility to learn about how they can get involved. As a result, we welcomed an unexpected number of groups of all sizes and ages into our international headquarters in North Charleston, SC. One week in particular, Water Missions International was flooded with little people and BIG hearts; nearly 300 elementary and middle school students moved through our facility along with parents, teachers, and chaperones, all eager to learn. Our new facility was perfect for this, as we were able to accommodate one group from St. Andrews School of Math and Science who brought 150 second graders! With the help of staff members, volunteers, and our Educators Think Tank, we were able to seamlessly move these students through several “stations” around our facility. This group was especially fired up about Water Missions International because they had partnered with SWIG Water Bottles for their school’s fundraiser. SWIG is one of Water Missions International’s partners who donates portions of profits to combat the global water crisis! All throughout the day I heard students saying, “Safe water Is a gift,” which is SWIG’s motto. http://youtu.be/bP1nHyy2JUk The next group that moved through consisted of 100 students and parents from Legacy Home School group. The students and parents brought much enthusiasm and encouragement as they moved through the facility. When I finished my tour, five children ran me down to donate. They were so excited to give, and they did so with a joyful heart. A sweet reminder that God looks at our heart and our intentions when we give! (2 Corinthians 9:7, Luke 21:1-4) The last group came from Charleston Day School, with a 50 students, parents, and teachers in attendance. I was astounded to hear how much they already knew about the dirty water epidemic, and so incredibly blessed to meet students who collected change and donated it to Water Missions International. I hope that you’ve been encouraged and blessed just as much as I have. This is a generation of world changers! And if properly equipped, they’ll do more than we ever imagined possible! [gallery]Related Impact Stories
