Melanie Spradling

Last year was my first visit to Malawi and I learned why Malawi’s nickname is “the warm heart of Africa,” but it is still one of the poorest countries in Africa.  Child Legacy International is located in the heart of Malawi and provides clean water to Malawians, as well as valuable medical care, education, agricultural, fishing and vocational training, and sustainability research, while also sharing the love of Christ.  We stayed onsite at Child Legacy and I was blown away by all they were doing for their fellow Malawians, and stewarding their resources well. 

 Child Legacy could not do all of this without your support!  The purpose of the Clean Water Climb, in particular, is to raise awareness and funds for clean water in Malawi.  Child Legacy estimates Malawi still has over 2.4 million people without access to safe water, and over 5,300 children still dying each year from waterborne illnesses (Clean Water – Child Legacy International).  

 I’ve seen firsthand the effects of people having to walk a long way just to get to a polluted water source and the joy when they see fresh water from a repaired well.  Meeting basic needs, such as water, food, and healthcare, has large and lasting ramifications to individuals and communities – it not only saves lives but also gives the chance for the child or individual to grow in other ways.  Jesus knew the importance of meeting physical needs to open the way to meet spiritual needs.  

 I will be hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with Clean Water Climb this year, all in the name of providing clean water as an act of love.  I am so grateful and excited to support this mission of clean water but need your help!  Each well repair costs $1,250 and can provide clean water up to 2,000 people!  

 I will need and appreciate a lot of encouragement, support, and prayers.  The knowledge of your generosity on the trail is a great help to keep me going day after day (our longest day is over 9 miles with an elevation over 13,000’!).  Your donations go fully to providing clean water to the people of Malawi and are tax deductible through Child Legacy.  ANY amount is appreciated!  My goal is to raise $5,000, enough for 4 wells.  Thank you for being a part of it!  And don’t think I won’t be praying and thinking of you as I’m hiking in Peru!

Thank you! 

Melanie 

 PS. Beyond excited to be on the Clean Water Climb with my sister, Anna Claire!