Help Us Touch the Nations
By Pastor Alvin Smith
Have you used the restroom today?
Was it outside? Was it in an open field?
Perhaps it was in a bucket or in a shallow hole in the ground.
Or maybe even in the river, where you also bathe and collect water for drinking.
If you are reading this, you probably have the luxury of porcelain potties, 2-ply toilet paper and hand soap.
Most of us have never thought of a restroom as anything other than a toilet and some privacy. It isn't uncommon for us to complain when the seat is less than spotless or when we can't reach the toilet paper roll.
In America sanitation is something we take for granted.
Yet it is non-existent for more than 2.5 billion people around the world - that's 38% of the world's population.
Rather than using facilities as we do, people in developing countries often defecate in make-shift latrines or in open places.
This affects their drinking water sources with contamination and creates the endless cycle of waterborne diseases, sickness, and eventually, death.
The lack of proper sanitation management is due to the fact that these countries are unable to separate their fresh drinking water from the sewage.
This fundamental waste management is one of the primary inhibitors to the prosperity of the developing world.
It not only strips away the dignity of their humanity, but it arrests any progression or autonomy. These people are so preoccupied with the most basic level of survival that they are not able to have a higher quality of life.
In 1989, The congregation of The Door Christian Fellowship in Tucson invested in the nation of Sierra Leone, West Africa by sending Pastor Alvin Smith and his family to pioneer a new work in that region.
As a result of that investment there are now more than 65 churches on the African continent.
The vast majority of these churches are in areas where drinking water, educational facilities and church buildings are virtually non-existent.
As Pastor Smith traveled extensively throughout this region, his heart was touched once again to answer the call, and in November of 2008, Into-Africa was founded.
Into-Africa is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that is working in concert with the vision of our ministry at The Door CFC to provide fresh water wells, church and educational facilities throughout the continent of Africa.
Into-Africa also works in partnership with The Lighthouse Medical Mission, as well as with other foundations and charities, to better address the needs of our work and workers in Africa.
Into-Africa does not seek to temporarily relieve the hunger and poverty of Africans.
On the contrary, Into-Africa believes that with God’s grace and favor, and with your help, we can transform nations.
Thank you for your participation. Your donations and partnership with us are contributing to saving both lives and souls.
Please visit our website: www.Into-Africa.org.