Dear Friends and Family,

Lately I have felt a tug on my heart to make a lasting impact in the world. I have suppressed this conviction with justifications. ‘I’m too busy’ and ‘I don’t have much to offer’ topped the long list. It is time for me to show love through action.

An American living on welfare is wealthier than 95% of the world. Most of us have all been entrusted with a home, food, and a vehicle. It goes without saying that the majority of people around the world do not have the resources that we so easily take for granted each day.

Diseases from unsafe water and lack of basic sanitation kill more people every year than all forms of violence, including war. Children are especially vulnerable, as their bodies aren't strong enough to fight diarrhea, dysentery and parasitic worms.

Here are statistics that grabbed my attention:
-884 million people in the world do not have access to safe water. This is roughly one in eight of the world's population. (WHO/UNICEF)
-1.4 million children die every year as a result of diseases caused by unclean water and poor sanitation. This amounts to around 4,000 deaths a day or one every 20 seconds. (WHO)
-The average North American uses 400 liters of clean water every day. (wateraidamerica.org)
-The average person in the developing world uses 10 liters of unclean water every day for their drinking, washing and cooking. (Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council (WSSCC))
-Preventable water related diseases is the biggest killer of young children, killing more than HIV/AIDS, malaria and measles combined every day. (endwaterpoverty.org)

These are the numbers that we don’t continually see on the news. But why? The tragic answer: It’s not news.

4,000 children die everyday to a preventable water crisis. I cannot fully wrap my mind around that number. Truly staggering. Water is the avenue that I want to use in order to impact these children and their families.

After researching a number of organizations, Compassion International’s Water of Life ministry stood out. Through Compassion, $55 water filters provide safe, clean drinking water for an entire family. Compassion not only serves the physical needs of the people they reach, but follows through to develop their spiritual needs as well. As explained on their website,

“Compassion International exists as a Christian child advocacy ministry that releases children from spiritual, economic, social and physical poverty and enables them to become responsible, fulfilled Christian adults. Today, Compassion helps more than 1 million children in 26 countries.”

Going into this campaign, I am praying that I would have the privilege to be a part of something so big that only God can receive the glory. I wanted to have a dollar amount that I thought would be possible in my own eyes ($5,000 raised in one years time), and then double this amount to where I knew it would be impossible without the Lord’s help.

My goal is to raise $10,000 by December 31, 2012. If 182 people donated one $55 water filter, the $10,000 goal will be reached!

Often we want to make an impact in this world, however, it is hard to know which organizations to trust. Compassion International is a trusted non-profit organization that is committed to their vision. In regards to their credentials;

For nine consecutive years, Charity Navigator has awarded Compassion International, with its highest rating -- four-stars -- for responsible financial management. Evaluating more than 5,500 charities each year, Charity Navigator is the largest independent evaluator of charities in the nation.

In an effort to use my graphic design business for a greater purpose than just making a dime, I am also using Courtright Design to help reach the $10,000 goal. For any design work that I complete, I will donate 100% of the profits to this campaign for clean water.

Ways to Give:

1. Click on the green “Donate” button at the top of this page.
2. Call me at (505) 933-0367 or email me at courtrightdesign@gmail.com to order a t-shirt design or logo design.
3. Forward this letter to 5 other friends that you think might be interested in giving.
4. Commit to continual prayer for God to provide for those in need.

Feel free to contact me with any questions.

Thank you for your support and God bless you.

Sincerely,

Kyle

“And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.” Matthew 10:42