Water for Life
Providing fresh, maintained water wells, medical and dental support to families in Guatemala.
About Water for Life
Water for Life was formed out of the ashes of failure. Guatemala was entrenched in war and left more than one orphan. That orphan would soon be adopted by the Bartholomew family. With a background in well drilling, Gary Bartholomew, co founder, began a project to provide water for that orphanage. A year later, and they were still without clean water. Gary heard God's calling to do what he knew. Drill fresh water wells. 25 years have passed and the fruits of his passion for transforming lives have left a legacy worth talking about.
WFL has been dedicated to providing sustainable, clean water solutions to rural communities in Guatemala. Through innovative well-drilling projects, we empower families and communities with access to safe drinking water, fostering health, education, and even economic growth. Since our inception, we’ve partnered with local leaders and global supporters to drill over 100 wells, impacting 50,000 lives each day. Our mission goes beyond water. We’re simply drilling holes, God provides the water and a new hope, resilience and brighter future. Every drop counts, and with your support, we can continue to break the cycle of water poverty. Join us in making a lasting difference. Learn more about our work and how you can get involved at www.guatemalawells.com.
Together, we can ensure others can receive physical and spiritual water for life.
Water for Life's Timeline
Meet this beautiful soul from Guatemala, joyfully reading her Bible! In a land where clean water is scarce, the thirst for God's Word runs just as deep. People here are eager to learn and grow in faith, finding hope amidst challenges. This young girl’s early interest inspires us all! At Water for Life, we’re committed to bringing both physical and spiritual nourishment. While providing clean water through wells, we also support communities in their hunger for scripture. In Guatemala, faith shines bright—over 60% of the population identifies as Christian, and many embrace the Bible when they have the opportunity to have one. Join us in making a difference! Your support helps drill wells and share God’s love. Every drop of water and every word of hope counts. Visit www.guatemalawells.com to donate or learn more. Together, let’s quench their thirst—both for water and the Word!
Picture this: A vibrant Guatemalan sun bringing heat and thirst, while at the same time kids are splashing in clean water, with smiles lighting up the dusty village. That’s the scene we’re chasing at Water for Life. We’re a crew of dreamers and doers, drilling wells to bring safe water to rural communities. It’s gritty work, but those smiles and giggles? Worth every drop of sweat.
Jesus had a soft spot for kids, saying, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14). We take that to heart, ensuring every child we serve has a shot at health, hope and life eternal. Join us on this journey by simply visiting www.guatemalawells.com to help this mission. See, when we give kids clean water, we’re not just quenching thirst; we’re sparking joy and futures that have a better chance to shine bright.
Water for Life: A Closer Look at God’s Call to Bring Clean Water to the World
At Water for Life, we believe every drop of water tells a story—a story of hope, transformation, and God’s unending love for His creation. This collage tells the truth in a powerful way, snapshots of communities touched by the gift of clean water. Pause a moment, zoom in, and see the faces of those whose lives have been changed by something as simple, yet profound, as a sip of safe water. You are invited to look, reflect, and respond to God’s call to love our neighbors through action.
The Bible reminds us in Isaiah 41:17, “The poor and needy search for water, but there is none; their tongues are parched with thirst. But I the Lord will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.” God’s heart beats for those in need, and He calls us, His people, to be His hands and feet in answering their cries. For millions around the world, access to clean water isn’t a given—it’s a daily struggle.
Contaminated water sources lead to illness, keep children out of school, and trap families in cycles of poverty. Yet, through the work of Water for Life, we see God moving, bringing wells and hope to villages that have prayed for change.
As Christians, we are called to reflect Christ’s love in practical ways. Jesus Himself said in Matthew 25:35, “For I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink.” Providing clean water is a tangible way to live out this command. At Water for Life, every well drilled is a declaration of God’s love and a step toward fulfilling the Great Commission. Clean water opens doors to share the Gospel, as communities see the love of Christ through the actions of His followers.
But the work is far from done. Over 700 million people worldwide still lack access to clean water, and God is calling us to respond.
This is where you come in. We challenge you to take three steps this week to join Water for Life in this mission:
Watch and Share a Video or Image: Take five minutes to let the stories sink in. Share it on your social media or with your church group to spread the word about God’s work through Water for Life. Your voice can inspire others to act.
Pray for the Thirsty: Commit to praying daily for those without clean water and for the work of organizations like Water for Life. Ask God to provide resources, open hearts, and guide our efforts to bring water and the Gospel to those in need.
Give Generously: Consider making a donation of your time, treasures or talent to Water for Life. You can also organize a fundraiser with your church or small group to multiply your impact.
It's hard to fathom that many globally still do not have clean water. This little one is experiencing something many dream of. Clean, fresh water. Water for Life has partnered with many organizations, donors and locals for nearly 4 decades to provide a resource some have never seen. We try to make this one idea clear. Water for life contracts with a village to dig a well. We trust that it is only God that will provide water-for-life!
In the Book of Ecclesiastes, work is portrayed as both a profound gift from God and a meaningful endeavor that brings purpose to human life. Ecclesiastes 3:13 states, “That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God” (NIV). This perspective underscores that work is not merely a means of survival but a divine calling, imbued with significance and the potential to reflect God’s creative and redemptive purposes. For Water for Life, an organization dedicated to providing clean, fresh water to communities in Guatemala, this understanding of work as a gift from God resonates deeply, connecting our labor to the urgent needs of those in dire circumstances.
The labor of Water for Life’s staff, volunteers, and supporters—whether drilling wells, fundraising, or teaching—seeks to mirror the Ecclesiastical view of work as a gift. Each task, no matter how small, contributes to a larger purpose: restoring hope and health to those in dire need. The satisfaction derived from this toil, as Ecclesiastes describes, comes not only from the physical outcome (clean water) but from knowing that these efforts align with God’s heart for justice and compassion. By working diligently, Water for Life (WFL) participates in God’s redemptive plan, bringing life-giving water to those who thirst, both physically and spiritually.
Water for Life’s mission in Guatemala exemplifies this truth, as our dedicated labor provides clean water to those in dire need, addressing both physical and spiritual thirst. Giving water acts as a spring board to reach others with the gospel. As we view this work through the lens of Ecclesiastes, efforts become a powerful testimony to the transformative impact of God-given toil. Each well drilled, leads to many lives changed, and reflects the joy and purpose of work as a gift—one that flows like water, bringing life to the weary and hope to the hopeless.
Join the Wave of Change: Volunteer with Water for Life!
Hey there, Changemakers! Picture this: a group of big-hearted volunteers packed into a mobile clinic, bringing smiles to those in need with free dental care. That’s the vibe in the photo above—and it’s exactly the kind of energy we’re looking for at Water for Life!
These incredible folks rolled up their sleeves (and fired up their dental tools) to make a difference, one bright smile at a time. But now, we’re turning the spotlight on you. Yes, YOU! We’re on a mission to not only bring clean, safe water to communities who need it most, we need passionate volunteers to dive in and help us make waves.
At Water for Life, we believe that access to clean water is a game-changer—it’s the foundation for health, education, and brighter futures. And just like our dental care heroes, you can be part of something truly transformative. Whether you’re a pro at logistics, a whiz with community outreach, or just someone with a big heart and a can-do attitude, there’s a spot for you on our team.
Imagine being part of a crew that brings life-changing resources to people who need them most. You’ll meet amazing people, share some laughs in a converted bus like the one above!, You will leave knowing you’ve made a real impact. Plus, you’ll get to see the ripple effect of your efforts—clean water means healthier families, happier kids, and stronger communities.
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s make a splash together! Dive into volunteering with Water for Life today—sign up now at www.guatemalawells.com and be the change you want to see in the world. Every drop counts, and we can’t do it without you!
Let’s flow together, The Water for Life Team
P.S. Don’t let this opportunity slip through your fingers—join us now and help us bring the gift of clean water to those who need it most!
Check out this amazing moment that will become a lasting memory—a young girl drinking clean water straight from a new well for the first time! No bottles needed—just pure, fresh water from a well drilled by our Water for Life team. We love the smiles from her and others. The laughter, the excitement, the celebration—it’s what clean water brings to these villages! Join us in making more moments like this happen. Donate, volunteer, or share this post to help bring clean water to more kids! #WaterForLife #GuatemalaWells #PureJoy www.guatemalawells.com
In an overcast and rainy village where laughter faded due to 50 years without water, a thrilling adventure began as Water for Life rolled into town! Armed with a mighty drilling rig ready to strike gold… or rather, fresh water! The villagers helped and gazed upon the process as the machine roared to life, as pipes danced with muddy excitement. After days of thrilling twists and turns, a gush of crystal-clear water erupted—smiles erupted too! This life-changing well now brings joy, health, and hope to all. But the mission’s not over—more villages need this magic! Join us! Your generous support can fuel more rigs, more water, more smiles. Donate today at guatemalawells.com and be part of this splash-tastic journey! Together, we're quenching thousands of Guatemalans thirst, one well at a time!
Bibles and Wells: Quenching Thirst in Guatemala
At every Water for Life well dedication in Guatemala, people come for a bible. Here at a recent event two boys sat together, their eyes glued to a Bible they’d just received. People from surrounding villages had gathered, not just for the fresh water flowing from the new well, but for these cherished books. Water for Life drills wells to bring clean water to remote communities, yet the Bibles handed out at these celebrations spark a different kind of excitement. Villagers, hungry for hope, walk miles to receive them, eager to explore God’s word. Just as the well’s clear water revives weary bodies, these Bibles offer truth that refreshes the soul—steady and life-giving. Together, they meet deep needs: one sustains health, the other nourishes faith. Water for Life’s mission delivers both, inviting everyone to drink deeply from physical and spiritual renewal. Join us to keep this hope flowing! www.guatemalawells.com
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A gentle breeze stirred the dust as the wheels on the bus went round and round. The big yellow dental bus equipped with solar panels, dental chairs, equipment and volunteers rumbled into the small village nestled among rolling green hills. Children ran while giggling with anticipation at this unusual sight. You could see mothers and fathers peeked through doorways, and others waited with excitement shining in their eyes. From the bus door stepped volunteers—dentists, and helpers—greeted by grateful villagers eager for relief from their aching teeth and the simple joys that came with kind faces from faraway places. This is a huge event that most have never witnessed before.
Water for Life’s presence has already transformed the landscape. Thanks to donors who believed in providing clean water, a new well stood at the heart of the village, ensuring fresh water flowed year-round. With the well in place, the focus could shift to another vital need: accessible dental care.
Throughout the day, villagers lined up, talking quietly among themselves, relieved they would no longer suffer through nights of throbbing tooth pain. Children marveled at free toothbrushes, and mothers praised the gentle hands that eased their children’s fears. It was work well done as volunteers stepped off the bus, with big smiles despite long days that pass quickly, their hearts were full.
It was more than providing relief—it about forging connections, lifting spirits, and offering lasting hope and support. You can learn more or get involved by visiting WFL at www.guatemalawells.com