Collide Magazine

Drink Water, Give Water

Scott McClellan - Originally posted Wednesday, April 29, 2009 -

Before my church got involved with raising support for clean water wells in Africa a few years ago, I had no idea that the water situation was so dire in many third-world countries. As it turns out, one child dies from a waterborne disease every 15 seconds according to the UN. In other words, while I take for granted the 100 gallons of clean water my family uses every day, the few gallons of unsafe water available to families in the Third World might kill them. Yikes.

Shawn Wood is a writer and the Experiences Pastor at Seacoast Church in South Carolina, and he’s on a mission to help those in need of clean water. In just a few weeks, Wood conceived of and launched 5 Days In May, an online effort to raise awareness about the problem and provide a means of getting involved.

COLLIDE: For those who don’t know, what is 5 Days In May?

SHAWN WOOD: Simply put, 5 Days in May is an opportunity to drink nothing but water for the first five days in May and then, as a celebration, give what you would have spent on other drinks to give water to people who do not have clean drinking water. Drink water to give water. Everyone can donate those funds online at www.5daysinmay.com and the money will go directly to Water Missions International.


COLLIDE: What inspired you to launch the project?

WOOD: Five Days In May is an idea that has turned into a movement. I was simply thinking (in the shower—there and Mexican restaurants are where God moves for me) that it was ridiculous that amount of non-water beverages consumed on May 5 would probably be more than the amount of clean water that is available in most third-world countries. Then, as soon as I was thinking bad thoughts about all those non-water beverage consumers, God reminded me that I drink a lot of Diet Mountain Dew. I thought, What if I just gave the money I would spend on Diet Mountain Dew to Water Missions International and they could help people? That would’ve been cool, but rather ineffective because I’m just one person. So I decided to invite the world to join me.
 

COLLIDE: How did you get involved with Water Missions International? 

WOOD: A couple years ago, Seacoast Church learned about Water Missions International and offered to help them get clean drinking water to the world. We have been able to send money as well as donate office space and volunteer hours to their cause. But on a personal level, I just got to meet Jerry Miner (@jerryminer—Vice President, Disaster Response and Marketing at WMI) and learn his heart for this effort. I know that these people are drinking what they are selling (pun definitely intended). 

COLLIDE: How were you able to get 5 Days In May together and get the word out to people in such a short time period? 

WOOD: Twitter and influential friends. That is a social tonic that can be used for harm or good. This time we have chosen for good.

Visit www.5daysinmay.com and follow the effort on Twitter to learn how you can get involved in providing access to clean drinking water for those around the world in desperate need.