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As U.S. Director of SIM, I have had the privilege of
traveling to many parts of the world where SIM serves. I
have seen the effects of poverty, sickness, famine, natural
disasters, and war, and I have looked into the faces of those
who experience daily hardship and suffering.
Almost universally, people in difficult situations are looking
for two things: help and hope. That's why every one of SIM's
ministries is multifaceted with programs to meet the physical,
emotional, and spiritual needs of the people we serve.
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| SIM has provided safe drinking water to more 22,000 people by installing nearly 3,000 filters in contaminated wells. |
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With possibly the worst arsenic contamination problem in the world (nearly 86 percent of the wells SIM has tested are contaminated), the people of Bangladesh face tremendous health risks. Prolonged exposure to arsenic can result in numerous skin ailments like keratosis (a break up of skin), as well as increased risk for cancers and other diseases.
Part of the tragedy in Bangladesh is that people suffering from arsenic poisoning have little or no opportunity to obtain treatment for the disease. A farmer with keratosis on his feet who doesn't get treatment may develop gangrene. Then his feet have to be amputated, leaving him unable to provide for his family.
To help address this problem, SIM, alongside partner agencies, has conducted over 800 training sessions where more than 16,000 people have learned about
the dangers of arsenic contamination. In addition, we have provided safe drinking water to more than 22,000 people by providing over 3,000 filters for households with arsenic contaminated wells. This project allows direct contact with the local population and affords many opportunities to communicate the gospel truth found in God's Word.
Yet the problem is far from resolved. We continue |
to move through villages to test wells and provide both formal and informal training sessions, but because demand is so high, families must currently wait several months before they receive a filter.
Please pray that more filters will soon be available. Pray also that many of those whose lives are touched by this program will experience Christ's love and compassion and come to accept the Living Water that only God can provide.
Project Number – BD 98335
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