Jars of Clay Builds 1,000 Wells in Africa

Jars of Clay plus 1,000 Wells  equals 70,000 Africans with clean drinking water.

That’s the equation the Christian rock band hoped for when its Blood:Water Mission, a call to personalize the HIV/AIDS crisis in Africa, launched the 1,000 Wells Project, a five-year initiative to provide clean drinking water to 1,000 African communities.

Blood:Water Mission first stepped into funding a late stage AIDS hospice and discovered the vital link between living with HIV/AIDS and the need for clean water. As a result, Blood:Water Mission launched the 1000 Wells Project in 2005.

To make the dream a reality, Jars of Clay raised about $7 million to invest into water and sanitation projects and sanitation training. The hands-on multi-platinum band visited Africa several times to see the fruit of the labor. Today, there are 1,000 wells providing clean drinking water to 70,000 Africans and counting.

What’s next for Blood:Water Mission? Will Jars of Clay’s member set out on the next 1,000 Wells?

Guitarist Stephen Mason told the Associated Press that, “We may add a zero to that, make it 10,000 wells or go for another 1,000. The challenge with Blood:Water and with Jars is to continue to dream big about what we can do to make the world a better place, and we’ll see where that story leads us next.”

Jars of Clay is celebrating the milestone with a benefit concert at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on May 10. The concert will feature songs like Small Rebellions  from the band’s new album, The Shelter.

Click here to learn more about the Blood:Water Mission.

Are U.S. Christians doing enough to help people in Third World nations? Let me know in the comment box below.