All life needs water. Hear now how mission and service funds are quenching physical and spiritual thirst for Palestinians with restricted water access.

 

Most of the Middle East has limited available water. The rainy season in Palestine and Israel lasts from October to early May, peaking in January. Other months often no rain falls at all. This makes life difficult for many Palestinians because rainwater runoff is the only water available that does not require an Israeli permit. Collecting and storing water is important, so Palestinians use cisterns with a minimum capacity of 17,000 L, which is enough water to support a family of seven for about six months.

 

The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) works with Palestinian communities and families to build rainwater cisterns through its Department of Service to Palestinian Refugees (DSPR). Community members involved in planning and construction learn how to maintain the cisterns, as well as how to conserve and protect the water. DSPR wants communities to become self-sufficient and make best use of the resources sustainably.

 

Situated at the ancient crossroads where the world’s Abrahamic faiths all began, the ecumenical spirit of MECC is a sign of healing in a land charged with historic enmity. MECC is a fellowship of 27 churches in 12 countries representing 14 million Christians.

 

The priorities of the United Church are shared by MECC and the DSPR. Our partnership with them has provided a reliable source of water to many families in this parched area of the world.

 

 

Every gift to the church’s mission and service is used wisely and helps transform lives. Please continue to give generously.