The Bucket Ministry

By Jordan Kiefer

Other than air to breathe, there is nothing more essential to life than water. People use it for drinking, cooking, bathing, washing, growing food and plants, and much more. Here in America, we’re incredibly fortunate to have clean water whenever and wherever we want it. Unfortunately, that is not true for many of the world’s population — where organizations such as The Bucket Ministry step in.

The Bucket Ministry’s mission is simple yet critical – to share God’s love through the gift of clean, safe drinking water. The organization provides long-term access to clean water and the opportunity of an eternity with Jesus Christ to underprivileged communities worldwide.

To Meet a Need

The Bucket Ministry began in 2012 when Christopher “Chris” Beth accompanied his daughter on a mission trip to the Brazilian Amazon. While on the trip, Chris witnessed the harsh reality that millions of people around the world don’t have access to clean drinking water. The brutal fact is that 785 million people worldwide lack access to clean, safe drinking water, according to the World Health Organization. For context, that’s double the population of the U.S. – 332 million. This unsanitary water is the leading cause of death in children under five, and every day 700 children die from conditions linked to unsafe water, hygiene, and sanitation.

“The normal reality for most of the world’s population is that they drink whatever water they can find,” Chris explains. “This water is dirty, has bacteria and other contaminants, and causes many health problems, but they drink it because it’s all they have. On this trip, the Lord spoke two distinct words to me – ‘Help them.’ I started understanding the gravity of the world water crisis and realized God was calling me to this specific purpose.”

Thus, The Bucket Ministry was born – an organization dedicated to providing safe drinking water to those that need it while also helping meet the spiritual needs of those who didn’t have a relationship with God. Over a decade later, The Bucket Ministry actively provides water filters and evangelizes to over 20 countries across five continents. They use the Sawyer PointONE hollow fiber membrane filter in all these locations. PointONE’s micron filtration system removes all bacteria, cysts, and protozoa like Typhoid, Cholera, E. coli, and Giardia from drinking water using the same sophisticated technology as kidney dialysis. The well-made membranes prevent back-washing and allow the filter to be cleaned and reused countless times. The PointONE filter will provide families with more than 20 years of safe, clean drinking water with proper care.

Supplying these families with filters is one of the three core aspects of The Bucket Ministry. “We’re very simple. We only provide water, Jesus, and discipleship to those who come to believe,” Chris explains. “We’re a faith-based organization, but we don’t leverage that. We hand out water filters first, then tell them about Jesus and let them decide if they wish to start a relationship with Him or not. As a good friend of mine always says, ‘People will not believe the words of your mouth until they feel the touch of your hand.’ The absolute truth of the Gospel is that God gave us free will to come to him willingly. It’s all about wanting to come to Him.”

The Journey Continues

Volunteers collect data on underprivileged families and individuals to understand better the scope and severity of each community’s need for clean water and the Gospel. After the initial visit to supply the communities with the filters and show them how to use, maintain, and care for them, the Ministry conducts at least three follow-up visits to monitor the filter, deepen the relationship with the recipients, and develop the spiritual journey for those who accept the Good News.

Just like any organization, the backbone of The Bucket Ministry is the volunteers and donors who give their time, resources, money, and work to those less fortunate. The Ministry serves approximately 35,000 families annually through dozens of missionaries and pastors to provide clean, safe drinking water. Most funding goes directly to the field to buy filters, buckets, and medicines for the people. Since its inception, the organization has grown exponentially. Every year has been a blessing for Chris and the Ministry. In 2022 alone, the Ministry gave away over 32,000 long-lasting water filters and witnessed over 9,700 people give their lives to Jesus Christ.

Chris continues to be amazed by the difference the organization has made. “The magnitude of this work is almost unbelievable to us, but we know it’s all made possible through God and the support of our amazing donors,” he said. “We rely on God to bring us new friends to help fund this wonderful cause, and the biggest way we do this is through The Big Event.”

The Big Event

On November 11, 2023, at Southfork Ranch, The Bucket Ministry will host their biannual fundraising gala, The Big Event. This wonderful evening is a chance for the Ministry’s supporters and donors to support the efforts to pour into these underprivileged areas directly. At The Big Event, the Ministry:

Holds a silent auction to resource our overseas missionary teams with water filters and Bibles
Hosts special musical guests and speakers to lead worship
Connects their supporters to the fantastic stories their donations are creating around the world
It provides a four-course dinner, valet parking, an incredible atmosphere, and endless opportunities to find your place in The Bucket Ministry.

If you support mission work and are passionate about the world water crisis, the 2023 Big Event at Southfork Ranch is a significant first step to getting involved in this mission. Visit the link below to learn more about the event or reserve your seat today.