Jesus Geek

I’m pleased to announce that Winston Crutchfield over at Critical Press Media has released a book to benefit Podcasting for Water and Living Water International.

Water is Life includes original fiction from Deborah Caligiuri, Laura Thompson, Kelsey Felder, and Justin Lowmaster. David Crutchfield contributes an all-new Gargoyle story, and Winston Crutchfield takes us to the Atomic Earth. These modern writers are joined by classic works and essays on the importance and history of clean water.

When Winston first told me he wanted to do this I was very humbled. I continue to be humbled by the generosity of others. People have given up their money, time, facial hair, podcasting air time and prayers all to help raise money for people who need clean water. There are no words to express the immense blessings I’ve received from joining with other to make the world a better place in the name of Jesus.

Below is the introduction I wrote for the book:

When Winston asked me to write an introduction for this book I really didn’t know what to say. I’ve never written an introduction for a book. I’ve never had anyone inspired to write a book because of something I did or said. It’s an odd and humbling feeling to know that you’ve so profoundly impacted someone that they felt the need to not only support you but come alongside you and help you.

In December 2008, my pastor mentioned the Advent Conspiracy project in church. I went home that day, watched the videos and was immediately moved to do something about the water crisis in the world. If they could partner with Living Water International then so could I.

I cooked up a plan, set a goal and started sending emails to Living Water International and fellow podcasters. I have to admit, this little fund-raising project started off very slow and given the state of our economy then (and now) I would have been happy raising $100 much less the $2,200 raised by the end of November 2009. In fact, if things go the way I expect, we’ll raise over $3,000 by year-end not including the proceeds that come from this book.

Without water people cannot live, eat or have any kind of progressive culture. Throughout history, empires have been won and lost over water. All throughout the Gospels, Jesus was around water. He understood the significance of water in the lives of people. He preached near it, was baptized in it and even walked on it. Paul describes the Word of God as water that’s able to cleanse our minds and souls. Water is life; I knew something had to be done about the crisis in our world.

The fact that 800 million people live without clean water is a tragedy. The fact that the problem could be so easily and economically solved and yet still there are people dying daily due to water-borne illnesses is a failure on the part of the Church to rise up and provide a cup of water to those who desperately need it. We spend billions of dollars a year on “Christian Entertainment” and yet people are dying. Where is our sense of urgency? I’m guilty of it too.

Podcasting for Water is a way for me to give back, to take a look at where I spend my hard-earned dollars and make a difference in the lives of others. Hopefully, the little I’ve been able to raise through this project will inspire and encourage others to seek out ways they can impact the world in a practical and spiritual way.

Water Is Life is now available directly from Critical Press Media and from Lulu. Critical Press Media uses exclusively POD creation and shipping of products. Your book will be created to order; please allow 2-4 weeks for delivery. Every purchase of the paperback also includes a digital copy of the book for your immediate enjoyment. You can buy it here now. If you hurry, it will arrive just in time for Christmas.

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