Karley Pursley

I’m hiking Kilimanjaro! Those who know me aren’t surprised. As a nature, travel, and adventure lover this seems right up my alley and you’re right, it is! However, what started out years ago as a desire to one day hike the tallest mountain in Africa has now turned into a purposed climb that will help bring clean water to the beautiful people of Malawi.

Malawi has over 2.4 million people who don’t have access to clean water and over 5,300 children dying yearly from water borne illnesses. Think about all the things you’ve done with water this week: brushed your teeth, drank it, watered your plants, cleaned your car, made food, washed dishes. I say this not to make you feel guilty but to provoke thought and compassion. Water is essential to life. 

I’ll be hiking Kilimanjaro with a group of people in an event called the Clean Water Climb. This fundraiser is part of an organization called Child Legacy International, located in the heart of rural Malawi. One of their purposes is to raise awareness and funds to bring clean water to rural Malawi. They also provide valuable medical care, education, agricultural, fishing, and vocational training, and sustainability research, while also sharing the love of Christ with those they serve. It mattered to Jesus to meet the physical needs of people as well as their spiritual needs, which is why I’m honored to be participating in this fundraiser, as well as go to Malawi after the climb to help repair broken wells and share the Gospel in several rural villages.

To repair a village well costs $1,250, which provides 2,100 people with clean water. My goal is to raise $8,000 enough for 6 wells! Your donations go directly toward Child Legacy – none of this fundraiser is paying for my trip. I’m the crazy person paying the money to hike the mountain, and I’m asking you to partner with me to help bring clean water to the people of Malawi. Any amount is appreciated! Thank you so much for being part of this journey with me!