Joy in Every Step: Why Clean Water Matters*

In Kisii, Kenya, the days are longer for the children at IOL Mission Center.

As the sun begins to set, their day is not winding down with studying, preparing for exams, or finishing homework before dark—it is just beginning again. One of their most important responsibilities is walking. Many of them travel in groups, carrying empty containers that will soon be filled with water.

But not clean water.

The water they collect often comes from rivers, ponds, or shallow wells—sources shared with livestock and exposed to contamination. What appears ordinary can carry serious illness, disrupting their health, their education, and their ability to grow into the purpose God has placed within them.

Scripture reminds us in Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go…”—but how can a child be nurtured, taught, and developed when daily life is filled with risk and survival?

For these children, water is not just a need—it is a barrier.

Yet, this is the reality for many children in Kisii and rural Kenya.

Despite the challenges, hope remains, and there is a practical solution within reach to address this pressing need.

Clean water changes everything.

When children have access to safe, clean water:

• They are healthier and able to grow

• They attend school consistently and develop their God-given gifts

• They experience dignity and stability

• Their families and communities begin to flourish

The Word of God tells us in Matthew 25:35, “I was thirsty and you gave me drink…” This is more than compassion—it is God’s love in action.

That’s why Joy in Every Step – Clean Water Walk matters.

Every step we take represents the long journeys these children make each day. But our steps carry something different—purpose and a real possibility for change. Our steps reflect promises. Our steps will give these children a fight chance for a bright future.

We walk so they don’t have to.

We walk to bring clean water closer to home.

We walk as vessels of God’s love—meeting natural needs while pointing to the Living Water that restores the soul.

Join us. Walk with purpose. Give with compassion. And help bring joy in every step to the children of Kisii, Kenya.

*This campaign supports the Joyphone Clean Water Project.