We Are Faith Driven
We believe that the wealth, knowledge, and resources we have been blessed with are not meant to be kept to ourselves.
In the Central African Republic, where the vast majority of the population still lacks access to clean water, we have found a place to share those resources with some of the neediest people on the face of this earth. We take up our work in the Central African Republic with that in mind, seeking to reflect the love that Christ has shown us.
Faith in Our Operations
- We are committed to improving lives and demonstrating God’s love to people through reliable clean water access in one of the world’s most neglected countries, the Central African Republic.
- We follow Jesus’ example to show unconditional love to the poor and oppressed, of any faith or none.
- We are not a church-planting organization. Instead, we engage with the existing local churches whenever possible, helping them solve one of their most urgent health problems, and in this way empower the ministry of Central African churches all across the country.
- Staff mentorship/discipleship. Although the majority of our staff are Christians, we hire non-Christians as well, giving them the opportunity to see Christianity lived-out at close quarters by providing dignifying work built on the expression of biblical principles.
Religion and Conflict in the Central African Republic
The Central African Republic has regularly suffered from poverty and political instability, but the recent civil war that started in 2012 turned neighbor against neighbor. Over the last few years, nearly 20% of the population fled their homes because they feared attacks from roving militias and rebel groups. This is one of the world’s most serious and neglected humanitarian crises.
The two main groups in the conflict have both targeted civilians, often along religious lines: the “Séléka” rebels are mostly Muslim and they managed to overthrow the government in March of 2013, and the “Anti-Balaka” militias are mostly Christian/anti-Muslim fighters. Anti-Balaka militias have massacred Muslim communities and ethnic minorities as revenge for previous months of conflict when Séléka targeted Christians and churches.
We condemn this violence and employ people of diverse religious affiliation. Water for Good staff have been directly affected by the conflict. Several staff have had their homes looted, been shot, kidnapped, been attacked in the street and six Muslim staff members had to flee the country. We aim to use our faith, expertise, and assets to work for peace and help meet the immediate needs of the population.
Peacebuilding and Recovery
Now is the time to invest in Christian leadership working for peace in the Central African Republic. The new president, Faustin-Archange Touadéra came to power through peaceful, democratic elections and he is committed to peacebuilding and reconciliation. Water for Good is excited to work alongside him and the new government to build a better future.