This past week during confirmation camp, the water pump at Luther Village wasn’t working part of the time. And so, flushing was only when absolutely necessary (using buckets of lake water), and pots full of lake water were boiled in order to wash, brush teeth or drink. Much whining ensued when showering simply wasn’t an option, in spite of the fact that we could go jump in the lake in order to cool off. Meanwhile, one bottle of water was given to each person that could be refilled from a pitcher in the dining hall.

            While for us this was a temporary situation, on many reserves here in Canada this is how it is all of the time. Lake water is used for everything and is brought in buckets into the houses. In the winter, ice and snow are brought inside in order to melt. Running water simply isn’t available. However, once again, in most cases there is a lake right there.

            When we think about this further and consider other countries around the world, there are many places that not only lack running water, but don’t have a lake nearby as a water source. In some places, a long walk to a well is the only option, with the amount of water limited to what a person can carry.    

In many places these days, access to water is not only difficult but a source of gross injustices. In some countries, those who are in power withhold water from those who are subject to them. In other places, those who are too poor to move away are subjected to the contaminated water left behind by mining companies or oil companies. In some places, bottled water is the only option and is only available to those who can afford to buy it. Water has become a commodity to be bought and sold rather than a basic right for all human beings. Some have even gone so far as to say that the next war will be fought over access to water.

As Christians, it is an issue for us when we see injustices like these occurring. Jesus certainly upheld justice and mercy as qualities that are important in the kingdom of God (Mt. 23:23), echoing prophets like Amos who proclaimed, “Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an everflowing stream” (5:24).

Thus, both in the current National Youth Project, and in the resolutions from the Joint Assembly in Ottawa, we are encouraged to learn about these issues and to join our voices with others in calling for access to good, clean water for all people. At the same time, it is good not only to pray about these things, but also to give thanks for the gift of water. It is, indeed, the water of life, given by God our Creator. Thanks be to God!

 

 

In Christ,