gov haslamSix hundred thousand Africans now have access to clean water thanks to Blood:Water Mission’s seven-year project, which was celebrated in Nashville earlier this month. Launched in 2004, Blood:Water Mission‘s first goal and campaign was to create 1,000 water projects in communities across Sub-Saharan Africa. They celebrated that goal with a concert at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium involving Blood:Water Mission’s founders, Jars of Clay, and friends including HANSON, Derek Webb, Sandra McCracken, Kenyan artist Eric Wainaina & The Mapinduzi Band, host Charlie Peacockand surprise guests Brandon Heath, Christopher Williams and Matthew Perryman Jones.

The night celebrated the fact that so far:

  • More than 600,000 Africans in more than 1,000 communities now have access to safe water.
  • Tens of thousands of Africans have access to adequate health care through clinic, HIV/AIDS treatment & education.
  • Friends in the U.S. are learning how they can make a difference through creative grassroots efforts.

Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam (pictured above), spoke at the reception and said his children first told him about the water crisis in Africa, and that he is proud to recognize the impact of the work accomplished by Blood:Water Mission.

The evening generated more than $100,000 in donations to further the work of the mission. Blood:Water also rolled out a new monthly donor program called Community:Builders to continue their ongoing efforts in Africa.

Learn more, donate or become a community builder at Bloodwatermission.com.

Excerpts from this post first appeared at HalogenTV.com. Used with permission.