There is an old hymn that says, “They will know we are Christians by our love.” This song was inspired by the prayer Jesus had for his followers when in John 17:21-23 he prayed, “Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity.”
Jesus said the world would recognize his disciples through their unity and love. How’s that going for us?
Many things divide the church today. Theology is probably the number one divider. Points of divinity pondered and pontificated through centuries have created division and denomination upon denomination. Which one is right? It depends on who you ask.
As a pastor, I found the easiest way to bring churches together was to serve. In my community, dozens of churches came together to help house those experiencing homelessness in the winter months. We worked together to help refugees and those struggling with poverty.
Service unites us.
We see that here at Water for Good, also. Our supporting churches come from about two dozen unique denominations. These churches have differing theologies, views of the end times, and a host of other issues, but they agree on the importance of providing a cup of cold water in the name of Jesus. This is why, across the country, these congregations have prayerfully chosen to partner with us as we work to build a future where every child experiences safe water, a healthy community, and God’s love.
Not only do we have diverse supporting churches, we have a diverse group of churches we partner with in the communities we serve. In the Central African Republic, we work with Baptist and Grace Fellowship churches (among others) because these are the established congregations. We partner with the Ethiopia Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus (EECMY) for community work in Ethiopia. In other locations, we partner with Anglican churches and community churches. We work with local churches to transform their communities and increase the power of their shared witness.
In 2024, the African Inland Church of Tanzania organized a meeting with Senior Church leaders at the regional level, which was attended by Senior Pastors and Bishops from the participating churches. 37 churches from over 10 denominations came together, including the Tanzania Assemblies of God, Pentecost Church of Tanzania, and Evangelical Lutheran Churches.
The bishop who organized this laughed as he asked, “What could bring us together like this?” He thought it was the boldness of Water for Good, and it might have been, but the real answer was the opportunity to serve.
This unity in service grew to include a unity in worship. Collectively these churches hosted a meeting for 740 people – believers and non-believers. Choir groups from several churches sang and pastors from different congregations spoke. At the end of this event 15 people made decisions of faith. These people were drawn to learn more about what had brought these different churches together!
The world knows we are Christians when we work together in love.
By partnering with us, you are part of a powerful movement that not only provides physical resources but also spreads hope and compassion in the name of Christ. Whether through financial contributions, prayer, or raising awareness, every act of love counts. Together, let’s demonstrate that unity in Christlike service is stronger than any division among us.
Your support makes a profound difference in the lives of those who lack access to safe water, improved sanitation and hygiene. When we come together, transcending our denominational differences, we embody the love that Jesus spoke of—showing the world that we are His disciples.
