Ana Briones

Born in Mexico City, I am the only and oldest girl of four siblings. My childhood memories are nothing but wonderful. My parents were married for 39 years until my father went to be with the LORD. I was very blessed to have my mother until the age of 91 when she passed away at the beginning of 2020. 

I am a proud mother of three stunning children, two daughters and one son.  After they married, three more, my children’s spouses. Additionally, I am blessed with six grandchildren, ages 7 to 19 and they are the light of my life. I cannot thank GOD enough for all of them.

With a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, I worked for a couple of companies until I decided to explore the entrepreneurial world. In 2009 my life changed. My son and I took the opportunity to start a business in the U.S.  Throughout the years it has become a successful and rewarding company that has been changing people’s lives ever since. 

I was raised believing in GOD, and I thought I knew Him.  In 2011 something very special happened to me, when I was introduced to the GOD that loves us unconditionally, that forgives us no matter what, and with whom we can communicate and have a personal relationship, I had that urgent feeling that I was born to do more.  There is so much to do in our world, and we all have GOD given talents and gifts with a divine destiny to fulfil.  

I began volunteering in different organizations.  I heard about how millions of people are dying or suffering worldwide from water borne diseases due to the dirty sources of water they had access to. I knew in my heart that GOD was calling me to help them. 

in 2018, I decided it was time to retire from professional life and focus on finding a way to help stop the suffering by providing clean water sources to the communities in need.

I began my search for non-profits that built water wells.  In 2019 at the M3 Missions Conference at Lakewood Church, I met the founders of Clean Water Climb (CWC), Mike Navolio and his beautiful wife, Jennifer. Through their foundation, they have been organizing groups to climb mountains in order to raise funds to repair broken water wells and provide clean drinking water to the people of Malawi since 2011.  At that moment, I knew I was in the right place.  In July of the same year, just four months after meeting them, I was in Malawi living my GOD given calling!  This was one of the best and most gratifying experiences I have ever had.  

Unfortunately, Covid hit in 2020 and we couldn’t go that year.  On July 2021 we returned to Africa with CWC and a team of 11 people to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. It was amazing to make it to the top, especially because I was 68 years old and had never climbed a mountain before.  I trained and prepared for several months prior to the trip.  I finally was able to achieve by GOD’s grace what not even in my wildest dreams I could have ever imagined.

We went to Malawi, shared JESUS with the villagers and helped to restored clean water in eight communities and schools.  It costs $1250 to repair each water well, since we were able to raise $386,479 there will be many more communities blessed with clean water soon.

I learned that we are not aware of how much strength we own until we have a motive bigger than ourselves to fight for. We are made for greatness. Now I can testify about it!

I cannot thank my HEAVENLY FATHER enough for putting me on this pathway with Mike, Jennifer, Child Legacy, Church Project, my fellow climbers, the porters that helped us to get to the top, and all the people involved in this awe-inspiring journey as well!

I will not be able to go this year. However, I will continue fundraising as I have committed with CWC to donating to the repair of 200 water wells.  All my love to the amazing people of Malawi, who are referred as “The Warm Heart of Africa.” 

Ana Briones

March 2022