“Drink water to give water” is the message Ethan Zuck, a John Brown University freshman, proclaims to his fellow students.
Zuck is challenging students to take a 10-day fast from all beverages besides water in hopes that they will donate the money they save to help others receive clean water.
The 10-day challenge is only a small solution to a bigger problem. One ninth of the world’s population lives without clean water. Preventable diseases, education, the economy and even death can all be traced back to the inability to access safe water.
Living Water International saw these realities as an injustice and took action. In response, they have provided access to clean water in impoverished countries, and are also offering people the living water of the Gospel.
Zuck was struck by the impact of the water crisis two years ago when he saw a video at his home church in Dallas. He later researched the issue and created a PowerPoint presentation for his youth group. His passion permeated the group, leading students to raise thousands of dollars.
This same passion followed him to the University.
“Coming to college I really wanted to incorporate [10 Days] and challenge the students of JBU to commit to Christ and serve him by giving to other people,” Zuck explains.
Water may seem like a strange passion for a college student, but for Zuck it is much bigger than a glass of H2O.
“Water comes back to everything,” Zuck said. “I love this organization because it not only addresses people’s physical needs but it also addresses spiritual needs by giving them Jesus Christ, the living water, which satisfies the deepest thirst.”
Zuck, in partnership with 10 Days, is encouraging students to fast from any beverage besides water from Oct. 10 to 19.
A concert kicked off the fast. A small group of students gathered Tuesday night in the J. Alvin atrium to worship and remember the purpose behind the fast. Pictures were hung of children holding precious clean water in their hands with smiles spread across their faces.
Taryn Nick, a sophomore, attended the concert. Strung with excitement, she explained she thought 10 days was a “really creative idea.”
Droplet-shaped temporary tattoos engulfing the number 10 will be available during the week for those participating. They serve as a reminder and an encouragement. Zuck hopes students will see others participating and help keep each other accountable.
10 Days began at a secular university, but Zuck feels a Christian campus should be the perfect place for such a challenge.
“I think in one sense [10 Days] fulfills the great commission,” Zuck said. “Giving is a virtue that Christ tells us to have. C.S. Lewis tells us to give more than we can actually spare. [This giving] reflects a relationship with Christ.”