Bible verse — Cross International

Jesus was not only a carpenter, He was a teacher. In the gospels, Jesus was called “teacher” more than 60 times. This was the title used by both the disciples and the crowds. John 13:13 records Jesus’ own reference to Himself as teacher when He said, “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord’, and rightly so, for that is what I am” (NIV). The world was His classroom, and Jesus spent His life teaching others about the nature of God, how to hear His Father’s voice, and to love one another.

We also know Jesus loves children. In the gospels, we see His willingness to devote time to them, His recognition of their importance in the Kingdom of God, and His passion for protecting them from harm. As a great teacher, His attention to children was remarkable and surprised many.

Jesus’ example in His love for learning and His tenderness towards children is at the heart of our education initiatives. We believe that it is our responsibility as followers of Christ to meet the multifaceted needs of those struggling to survive poverty — including their need for education — and we work with ministry partners around the world who share in this passion.

Our Christ-based school programs fill more than a child’s mind with knowledge. We nourish their bodies, hearts, and souls in a place that gives them freedom to learn, grow, rest, and dream. By meeting the basic needs of vulnerable children while teaching hope in Jesus’ name, we create a foundation for a life committed to learning and service.

The book of Proverbs encourages us to value learning and understanding. In Proverbs 22:6, we see how learning impacts generations. “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it” (NIV). Education is transformative, and our programs have a truly long-term and sustained impact on families and communities. Children with a rich foundation of learning have better options for employment and are better able to lead financially stable families and strong communities when they grow up. When adults can support their families, their children are more likely to attend school … and the multi-generational impact can continue.

Together with our ministry partners, we’ve witnessed Jesus use the power of education to transform lives from the inside out. We’ve watched families shape their own opportunities and find hope for the future. Join us as we follow the example of our Great Teacher Jesus to love vulnerable children around the world by supporting education and the Thriving Kids ministry.

It’s not surprising that the ministry of Jesus on this earth was associated with water in many ways. The images of Him in the biblical accounts often place him speaking life-giving words while on a sea shore, in a boat, sitting near a well, or on the banks of a flowing river. Water’s sparkling presence was a part of the everyday lives of those Jesus was speaking to, and its properties were an easy metaphor Christ was able to use in describing the new life he was offering through the gospel. John 4:14 records the words of Jesus as he describes this comparison: “Whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (NIV).

This beautiful picture is a source of inspiration and hope, especially for those of us who are able to vividly imagine the clean water we have so easily accessible to us. But for too many in the developing world, clean water is nowhere to be found. Arduous hikes of several miles to reach polluted streams and pools of stagnant water may be the only options for families who desperately need it to quench their thirst, and who must take the risk of the diseases lurking in the very water they need for life.

Not only does Jesus’ call to serve those in need compel us to help those in these dangerous situations, He specifically invites us to offer relief in the form of this simple life-giving gift. “Truly I tell you,” He says in Mark 9:41, “anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly not lose their reward” (NIV). His words make it clear that as followers of Christ, our concern for others must not just be for their spiritual health, but for the basic physical needs of water, food, and health.

By caring for these elemental needs of those facing deep and systemic poverty around the world, we are able to offer hope and life in Jesus’ name. What better illustration is there of our love and our willingness to follow Christ’s example? We work tirelessly alongside our ministry partners in their local communities to provide wells of clean water, dependable systems to distribute that water, and much-needed training for how to preserve the cleanliness of the water through sanitary storage and use. These efforts enable the families of these communities and villages to begin to enjoy the life-giving nature of water, as it brings health and refreshment rather than disease and hours of labor.

Against this backdrop—the transformation of the water that surrounds them—we have the incredible opportunity to join our ministry partners in also showing these wonderful people how to encounter the life-giving gospel that Jesus described as water of eternal life. Just like the wells and clean water systems bring new strength and stability to the community, the peace and hope of the love of God bring a source of new life to those who hear and believe.

The rewards of this work are immediate as well as eternal! We have experienced heart-filling joy many times over as we’ve watched the impact of clean water help quickly transform communities into thriving centers of opportunity and healthy families. The eternal significance of this work only compounds our joy in service. Won’t you join us in sharing not only a cup of water, but the ongoing source of clean water and the joy found in God’s love? We would love your partnership in this work!

Following Jesus’ example in teaching and compassion

Offering ‘a cup of water’ in Jesus’ name