Faith in Action

Lifewater has adopted the Lausanne Covenant as its statement of faith.

READ THE LAUSANNE COVENANT >

Christian Community Development

In program areas where churches are present, Lifewater trains church leaders in foundational theology and God’s mandate to love the vulnerable. Where there is no Christian presence, we partner with ministries to share the good news of Jesus.

In the Bible, Jesus heals people physically and spiritually. Following His example, our staff share life-saving health practices and bring safe water to meet physical needs; our ministry partners share about God’s love, distribute Bibles, and plant churches—meeting a spiritual need.

Our desire is that God would transform communities holistically. The principles outlined below serve as reminders to each member of the team about how we work in communities to achieve this goal.

GOD IS ALREADY AT WORK

God loves the communities we serve and is already working there. We look for the ways that God is already at work so we can join in those efforts. Through prayer and intentional care for every household, particularly those in the margins, we seek to join in the good work of the Kingdom.

EVERY COMMUNITY HAS ASSETS

Every person is made in the image of God, so every community has skills and gifts to contribute. By mobilizing the skills already present in a community, we encourage community confidence so they are prepared to take on other challenges in the future, including those that are larger and more complex.

MEANINGFUL PARTICIPATION ENCOURAGES LASTING CHANGE

When communities actively participate in their own transformation, they’re more likely to sustain their water source and experience a sense of unity among their neighbors. God is honored when positive change and progress is sustained. Our role is to create achievable goals for communities to meet, encourage their contributions, and celebrate their success.

PRIORITIZE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Jesus says, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Mathew 25:40). Some members of the community (such as orphans, widows, and those with disabilities) may need additional support. Special attention should be given by the community and our staff to care for those experiencing the greatest vulnerability.

WE ENTER AS LEARNERS AND STAY AS GUESTS

We are not heroes, but students and guests. The people in the community are the best long-term solution to their problems. We enter in humility and earn the right to stay by our positive contribution.

IDENTIFY ROOT CAUSES

Many community challenges are complex. We don’t settle for simple answers; we are inquisitive and try to truly understand what motivates (and discourages) the change process. As people working in a global context, we must seek to understand cultural characteristics that influence community behavior.

DEVELOP CAPACITY OF NATURAL LEADERS

Local leaders have the ability to leverage change in their communities. We find and develop these natural leaders. We encourage them, disciple them, and challenge them to lead the community to a better future.