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a i an Tanz Improving health and learning with clean water
FOR YEARS, students and staff at Kasisi “A” Primary School in Tanzania’s Tabora Region struggled with unsafe water. The school relied on water from nearby dams that were often contaminated. As a result, waterborne illnesses were common, affecting both health and learning. Malima, a teacher, recalls that, before, “learners frequently missed classes due to water-related illnesses, and we struggled to maintain a hygienic learning environment.” In April 2025, Africa Inland Church Tanzania (AICT) Diocese of Tabora, with support from World Renew, began a comprehensive WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) project. A borehole completed in March 2026—reaching a depth of 250 metres (820 feet)—now supplies clean water, supported by a storage tank, distribution for both the school and surrounding community, and a rainwater harvesting system. Handwashing stations and hygiene education have also helped students build healthy habits that support their well-being.
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Thanks to gifts like yours, 2,961 farmers in Kenya received training in conservation agriculture to help grow more crops last year.
The changes have made a significant difference. As another teacher shared, “The availability of clean and safe water has significantly improved students’ attendance and participation in class activities.” Students themselves have felt the change. Eleven-year-old Gasper explains, “We used to drink dirty water, but now we have clean water every day, and I feel healthier.” For Christian, 12, the difference is equally practical: “Washing our hands is now easy, and we no longer worry about getting sick from the water.” Today, healthier students are spending more time in the classroom and remaining engaged with their education. Thirteenyear-old Leyla adds that she now enjoys coming to school, noting that “we have safe water, and our environment is clean.” The school has also introduced vegetable gardens, helping students learn about nutrition and sustainable farming practices. When more people have access to clean water, schools, households, and entire communities can become healthier. Gifts like a handwashing station or family-sized water filter from World Renew's Gift Catalog are practical ways to improve health, resilience, and hope for the future.
Prayer Requests
BY THE EAST AND SOUTHERN AFRICA MINISTRY TEAM •
We praise God for the successful recruitment of a new regional director for East and Southern Africa; please pray for a smooth transition as the new director settles into the role.
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As the El Niño weather pattern is expected to peak in the coming months, pray for farmers and communities expecting droughts and poor harvests.
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Please pray for peace and stability as multiple countries in the region are navigating political transitions.
WO R L D R EN EW.O R G • 1 -8 0 0 -552-7972
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as r u d on H The gift of knowledge IN MANY RURAL COMMUNITIES IN HONDURAS, opportunities for young people to learn openly about their health and well-being are rare. For 10-year-old Evelin, that began to change when World Renew, through our local partner Diaconía Nacional (DN), introduced a health education program designed especially for adolescents. Evelin lives with her grandparents and aunt; her parents and younger sister live nearby. When her mother, a program volunteer, encouraged her to attend a session, Evelin was curious. “I liked it when I arrived because there were more children there, my cousins, and other neighbors,” Evelin shared. What began as curiosity quickly turned into enthusiasm. Through interactive activities and discussions, Evelin and other young people explore topics often considered taboo in their communities. In a safe, welcoming environment, they can ask questions, build confidence, and learn how to protect their health and well-being. “At first I felt shy,” Evelin explained. “But I learned that talking about these things is not something bad. It helps protect us.”
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In Honduras, 42 families now have clean water flowing to their homes through newly installed piped water systems, thanks to gifts like yours.
Today, Evelin understands that girls and boys have equal value and rights, and that every child deserves respect and safety. She also feels more comfortable speaking with trusted adults about questions or concerns. “I would tell other kids to go because it’s nice. We learn and feel safe,” she said. Education is a powerful gift of hope. Alongside programs like this one, gifts such as children’s books for a mobile library from World Renew’s Gift Catalog help create more opportunities for children to learn, explore new ideas, and build brighter futures. “I want to say thank you,” Evelin said with a smile. “Please keep coming so we can continue learning how to take care of ourselves.”
Prayer Requests
BY THE LATIN AMERICA MINISTRY TEAM •
Pray for peace, stability, and safety as communities across Latin America navigate economic uncertainty.
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Pray for families facing violence, food insecurity, and climate-related challenges, that they would find protection and hope.
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Praise God for his faithful guidance and protection of World Renew staff and partners across Latin America.
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Nigeria From recovery to resilience FOR MANY COMMUNITIES IN NIGERIA, years of conflict and violence have brought devastating loss. In one community in Benue State, repeated attacks destroyed homes, displaced families, and left many widows struggling to rebuild their lives. “When we came back, many of us had nothing,” shared Chioma*. “We wanted to work, but we had no capital, no tools, and no help.” Recognizing the need for both healing and economic recovery, World Renew, through our local partner ECJP Nigeria, helped form a women's group known as Wado Women. Together, group members began rebuilding their lives through mutual support and shared determination. The women received training in farming, small business management, collective savings, and leadership development. As their skills and confidence grew, so did their opportunities. Women who once depended on outside assistance began operating small businesses and earning income to support their families and meet household needs. “Through livelihood support, we were able to start farming and small businesses again,” one
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In Niger, thanks to gifts like yours, 847 volunteer workers were trained in health best practices and are better equipped to help improve the health of their communities. group member explained. “We are helping each other grow.” Today, Wado Women is a registered farmers' cooperative, opening doors to new partnerships, financing opportunities, and long-term sustainability. Their journey is a powerful example of how local leadership, practical support, and collective action can restore dignity and create lasting change. Every community that World Renew serves is unique; some communities need livelihood opportunities, disaster recovery, peacebuilding efforts, or a combination of all three. That's why gifts from generous people like you to our Where Needed Most fund through the Gift Catalog are so impactful. They allow World Renew to respond where needs are greatest, helping families and communities find hope, healing, and resilience when they need it most.
Prayer Requests
BY THE WEST AFRICA MINISTRY TEAM •
Lift up farmers and families recovering from floods and other climate-related disasters, asking God to provide strength, resilience, and fruitful harvests.
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As millions across West Africa face displacement due to conflict and insecurity, pray that families find safety, stability, and renewed hope.
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Ask God to sustain World Renew staff and local partners responding to growing needs across the region with compassion and endurance.
*Name changed to protect identity WO R L D R EN EW.O R G • 1 -8 0 0 -552-7972
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h es d a l Bang Small steps, lasting change TASLIMA lived in a household of eight that depended entirely on her husband’s limited daily income as a laborer. The family struggled with hardship and uncertainty. Like many women in her community in Bangladesh, Taslima was not allowed to work outside the home, limiting her opportunity to improve her family’s well-being. However, life began to change when Taslima became involved with Faith in Action (FIA), a World Renew partner in her area. In 2019, Taslima joined a women’s group facilitated by FIA. Her husband initially opposed her involvement and discouraged her from attending meetings, but despite these challenges, Taslima remained determined. Through group meetings and skill-building workshops, she gradually gained confidence and a deeper understanding of how women can contribute to their family’s income. Using her group savings, she took an initial loan of 3,000 BDT ($24.35 USD) and started vegetable gardening. Her success not only improved household income but also marked a turning point in her husband’s mindset. Encouraged by this progress, Taslima took a second loan of 5,000 BDT ($40.58 USD) and invested in duck and
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Last year, thanks to gifts like yours, 556 families in Cambodia improved their livelihoods by raising animals like chickens, ducks, and pigs. poultry rearing. With continued training from FIA, she identified goat rearing as a profitable opportunity in her area. She then accessed a third loan of 20,000 BDT ($162.32 USD), and within a year, she earned 40,000 BDT ($324.64 USD). Today, she owns five goats and continues to expand her business. Taslima’s journey has inspired other women in her community to engage in income-generating activities. She has earned respect and recognition as a changemaker. Taslima says: “I have not only transformed my own life but also changed the mindset of my husband and family. We are now living a happier and more secure life. I strongly believe that women can achieve anything.” By raising ducks, goats, or other animals found in World Renew's Gift Catalog, families are improving their livelihoods and building brighter futures.
Prayer Requests BY THE ASIA MINISTRY TEAM •
Nepal, India, and other areas in the region have been impacted by recent flooding; please pray for relief and stability for families who have been affected.
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As World Renew Asia staff are staying busy with travel and visits this season, please pray for safe journeys and meaningful gatherings.
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Praise God that World Renew is celebrating 50 years of working with families and communities in Bangladesh, and pray that our work may continue to renew hope in the years to come.
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NAortmh erica Restoring hope after the storm A FEW YEARS AGO, LINDA*, an elderly widow, made the move down to Sarasota County, Florida, from New Jersey. She began to enjoy the warmer weather and make connections in her community as she settled into her new season of life. But in 2024, Hurricanes Helene and Milton brought unexpected challenges. During both storms, water flooded the back room of Linda’s trailer. After the floodwater receded, she thought everything was okay. But over time, mold began creeping up the walls. Linda realized the room needed extensive repairs, although she didn’t have the resources to fix the damage. She installed a door to close off the space and tried to move forward. To Linda's surprise, a call came one day from a local disaster recovery agency, the Sarasota Long Term Recovery Group (LTRG). A case worker told Linda the agency and its partner, World Renew Disaster Response Services (DRS), could help repair the back room. “I didn’t even go looking for help, but God made it happen,” Linda shared.
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Thanks to gifts like yours, 196 homes were restored by DRS volunteers in 2025/26.
Over the following weeks, DRS volunteers rebuilt the room in Linda's home, adding insulation, installing drywall panels and outdoor siding, and mudding and painting the walls. But for Linda, the experience meant more than a restored living space. The kindness and fellowship she enjoyed from the volunteers was a meaningful source of encouragement during her recovery journey. “This work was done to perfection,” Linda said. “Thank you. God bless your continued endeavors helping others.” Stories like Linda's are possible because volunteers and supporters come alongside families as they recover from disasters. Through World Renew DRS, homeowners receive practical help, encouragement, and renewed hope as they rebuild their lives. When you give a DRS gift through the World Renew Gift Catalog, you not only support this work but also extend Christ's love, reminding disaster survivors that they are not alone.
Prayer Requests BY THE WORLD RENEW DISASTER RESPONSE SERVICES TEAM •
Hurricane season typically lasts until late November in the United States. Please pray for DRS regional managers as they monitor potential storms and guide our future disaster responses.
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DRS’ local partner in North Carolina needs more short-term volunteer groups to repair homes damaged by Hurricane Helene in 2024. Pray volunteers will be led to serve so survivors can return home.
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Pray that the recent unmet needs assessment led by DRS in Los Angeles, California, will help recovery organizations meet survivors’ needs from the 2025 wildfires.
*Name changed to protect identity WO R L D R EN EW.O R G • 1 -8 0 0 -552-7972
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A gift of hope
Every gift in World Renew's Gift Catalog represents a tangible way to make a difference, whether it's supporting education, strengthening livelihoods, caring for creation, or helping families recover from crisis. To learn more, visit: worldrenew.org/fieldnotes-gifts
worldrenew.org 1-800-552-7972
You believe in a world where children can thrive, families can overcome hardship, and communities can build lasting resilience. At World Renew, we share that vision. Together, we respond to God's call to love our neighbors by investing in solutions that create opportunity, restore dignity, and nurture hope.
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THROUGHOUT THIS ISSUE, you've met people whose lives are being transformed through practical gifts of hope. From health education for young people like Evelin to resources that help widows find their footing after conflict, each story reflects what's possible when compassionate people like you come alongside families and communities working toward a brighter future.