SAFE WATER
INTERNATIONAL MINISTRIES
ABOUT US
Safe Water International Ministries (SWIM) is committed to providing safe water to as many people as we can in the midst of this global water crisis, while at the same time sharing about the Living Water in Jesus Christ.
Our Story
After our kids were out of the house, my wife Vickie and I felt that the Lord was leading us into mission work. In February of 2001 we were selected to be on a team traveling to Nicaragua with the Baptist church of Iowa. We worked in a remote village digging a water line which would supply water to the people from an open spring. We were told that it would be a great blessing for the community, but the water wouldn’t be safe for us to drink.
After returning to the States, I just couldn’t get this problem with the water out of my mind. I often prayed that God would lead someone to help the millions of people in the world with their water needs. The more I prayed about it, the more I felt that God was telling me I was that person! Of course, I argued in vain with the Lord reminding Him that I knew nothing about water, but He impressed upon me that He did, and all I needed to do was be willing to trust and obey Him.
After that, I then learned of a process from the 60’s in which you can make chlorine from ordinary table salt and water – and the CPU was born! We managed to go through about 15 different prototypes of the device, trying to simplify it, make it portable, and make it foolproof.
In 2004, with the help of a pastor friend of mine, Richard Boyd, we formed SWIM and headed back to Nicaragua with our new evangelism tool! What a learning experience we had over the next several years! We learned Spanish, the culture, and how to fully trust in God for our needs and direction! We were blessed with opportunities to work with the health department and trained people in hundreds of villages about safe water and the gospel of Jesus. Because of the internet, we also started receiving requests to share this method in other countries. I have personally done training in 15 countries and others have taken SWIM into many more. God has certainly opened many doors with this simple tool, and He alone deserves all the glory! I’m just thankful that He allowed me to play a small part.”
– Greg Stout
Our Ministry Goals
- To reach the poor with the Gospel of Christ by using the technology available for disinfecting water.
- To partner with other missions, clinics, churches, and organizations and assist them with their water needs in developing countries.
- To make a difference in the quality of life for millions of people in rural areas without access to safe water.
- To show the compassion of Christ by putting actions to our emotions.
- Whenever possible, to disciple others and help them with their spiritual needs after assisting them with their physical needs.
- To take every precaution possible to represent our God and country responsibly and not harmfully influence the culture of the people we work with.
- To be obedient servants of God.
A Letter from the Board
By His grace, we are looking forward to those we will be able to help in the coming months. There is a world of opportunities ahead of us and we invite you to be a part of the transformation of lives that happens when chlorine producing units (CPUs) are introduced to communities. These CPUs help to decrease waterborne diseases and improve people’s lives with clean, safe water.
And most important of all, we can share about the Living Water, Jesus, as their Savior. There is no better life-changing decision to make. It is our privilege to share the Gospel with others and we can do that as we share CPUs with people.
“Learn to light a candle in the darkest moments of someone’s life. Be the light that helps others see; it is what gives life its deepest significance.” ~ Roy T. Bennet
SWIM is doing its best to give hope to people. Will you join us? Will you help us make a difference as we share life-giving direction to people who need to hear God’s Word and show them how to create safe water?
The ripple effect of love and kindness is powerful! Your gift of any size is significant and treasured. God uses each one to make an impact.
Rich Grant
SWIM Chairman of the Board
Get In Touch
CONTACT US
SWIM
PO BOX 227
New Sharon, IA 50207
616-540-7030
Follow us on Facebook for the latest news.