Illnesses from Impure Water Affect Millions Globally

Contact: 434-426-5310, pressrelations@gfa.org

WILLS POINT, Texas, March 17, 2016 /Christian Newswire/ -- In celebration of World Water Day on March 22, Gospel for Asia (GFA) will distribute hundreds of BioSand water filters to help reduce impure water conditions that kill almost 2,000 children a day worldwide.

Photo: A woman takes a drink of clean water from a GFA BioSand filter, which purifies contaminated water, making it safe to consume.

GFA emphasizes World Water Day as part of its ongoing efforts to provide clean drinking water in South Asia. In 2015, GFA installed 11,000 BioSand filters and will distribute more than 200 on World Water Day alone.

"In many parts of the world, the effort to get pure drinking water is a daily struggle," said K.P. Yohannan, founder and international director of Gospel for Asia. "Millions spend hours each day trying to find clean water, and millions suffer from illness when they don't."

Each year, 3.4 million people die from water-related diseases, including 705,000 children from diarrhea alone. In addition, according to UNESCO, women around the world spend 200 million hours each day collecting water -- work equivalent to building more than 28 Empire State Buildings each day. The water they collect is often impure.

GFA takes a dual approach to providing clean water, including the construction of "Jesus Wells" and the use of BioSand filters. A BioSand filter, which filters existing water sources, removes heavy metals, bacteria and viruses, while reducing discoloration and odor. It is a small, stand-alone system that can be easily set up in areas without adequate infrastructure. It cleans the water of 98 percent of its impurities.

World Water Day was first designated by the United Nations in 1992.

"We often take clean water for granted, but that is not everyone's experience," said Yohannan. "As believers, we have the opportunity to share the 'living water' of Jesus Christ and also demonstrate His compassion by providing a basic necessity of life to those without it."

GOSPEL FOR ASIA has – for more than 30 years – provided humanitarian assistance and spiritual hope to millions across South Asia, especially among those who have yet to hear the Good News. Last year, this included more than 75,000 sponsored children, free medical services for more than 180,000 people, 6,000 wells drilled, 11,000 water filters installed, Christmas presents for more than 400,000 needy families, and spiritual teaching available in 110 languages in 14 nations through radio ministry.

To schedule an interview with a Gospel for Asia representative, contact pressrelations@gfa.org.