Fire and water are both essential to life. Yet in Guatemala, these essential elements can cause big problems.

Forests are rapidly disappearing in Guatemala. One main reason is that many families cook their meals on an open fire in the middle of the kitchen floor, which uses a lot of firewood. Plus it is dangerous! It's easy to get burned, and even easier to get sick from inhaling the smoke. In fact, this is the leading cause of death among Guatemalan women.

Carrying water is a regular part of the daily routine for most Guatemalan families. And the water they carry is often parasite-infested and has to be boiled before drinking. See that river down in the valley behind Maria Valesquez Garcia and her children? It's a one-hour walk each way–and on the return, imagine a five-gallon container of water on your head! That's where she had to walk for water before (sometimes 2 or 3 times a day!) we helped her family build a cistern.

Every year we are helping 500 families build wood-conserving, lung-saving stoves for their homes. The $25 we put in is matched by the family, and soon their health is improving as well as the health of surrounding forests. More trees means cleaner air, less erosion, more habitat for wild life. BVSers like Robert Stiles (pictured here with Candelaria Godinez) help carry out this project.

In the coming year we'll help 20 families build cisterns besides their homes. Our share is $250. The family helps build it and comes up with their part of the cost. Together, we have helped them have clean, readily-available water!

Join the Global Food Crisis Fund of the Church of the Brethren in its efforts to assist the people of Guatemala have healthier lives and a healthier environment. Give–'til it helps!