ATLANTA – Access to water is the number one issue in the 21st century. No water, no development. No water, no food.

That’s what CBF Global Missions field personnel Lonnie and Fran Turner have learned in their ongoing work in southern Africa, and that’s the vision that Steve Hadden, pastor of Bayshore Baptist Church in Tampa, Fla., immediately saw as he toured the area with CBF Global Missions advocate Pat Anderson and a group of pastors last May.

Hadden came home and immediately began telling the story of how the Fellowship was making a difference and how the need for water wells was so widespread. His church responded – giving $16,000.

"I told about my experience and we had Lonnie preach in our church," Hadden said. "We accepted offerings at the end of the service. Actually, it was an unadvertised offering which makes the amount more incredible. The power of God operating in these remote areas and the passion of Lonnie and Fran Turner for the poor obviously reached the generous corner of many of our peoples’ hearts."

Turner said it costs only about $2,000 to dig a well and supply a pump, so the Bayshore gift will be enough to provide eight villages with clean water.

"The wells will be put in the rural areas," Turner said. "The specific locations will be determined by the local communities. We can start digging as soon as we receive the money."

Hadden went with Anderson on a tour of the Fellowship’s work in Africa that included visits with the Turners and with Sam Harrell, one of CBF Global Missions field personnel in Kenya.

"The most important thing I learned is that areas I would like to reach for Christ – poverty areas, different cultures etc. – are being reached," said Hadden. "Through CBF, we have a bridge to touch people we see on TV in dire circumstances. I now know people I trust who are touching the untouchables, and God is transforming lives."

Hadden was impressed with the Turners’ ability to empower local people to do their own economic improvement – at schools, clinics and children’s homes.

"We have to get more people to experience the life transformation that is happening all around the globe through CBF," Hadden said. "I wasn't moved to this point until I saw with my own eyes. We should be proud of what CBF is doing for Jesus for the poorest of the poor."

Financial contributions can be made online at www.thefellowship.info/landing/giving.icm or by mail at P.O. Box 101699, Atlanta, GA 30392, with checks payable to CBF and "Project #80325" in the memo line. Contributions are also welcome for the Offering for Global Missions, the proceeds of which enable the Turners and other field personnel to remain on the field.

CBF is a fellowship of Baptist Christians and churches who share a passion for the Great Commission and a commitment to Baptist principles of faith and practice. The Fellowship’s mission is to serve Christians and churches as they discover and fulfill their God-given mission.