Opportunities
Prayer Updates
Stories
Projects
Asia Pacific
Taking the "Guava Leaf Challenge"
by Don Schroeder, Bangladesh
22 January 2008
two women with the filter

The SIM Arsenic Program in Bangladesh is working to provide Bangladeshi's with safe, arsenic-free drinking water through awareness programs and low-cost arsenic filters.

Working in a New Area

Recently, Mahfuz, one of our arsenic field workers, and I visited a local leader, Jahanghir, to make sure the filter he had bought was working properly.

In that area, there are high levels of arsenic and iron in the groundwater. At Jahanghir's house, the iron concentration was so high that it had discolored the concrete platform around his well.

Our test showed that the filter was removing all of the arsenic from his drinking water. When Jahanghir asked about the iron, we assured him that the filter was removing it too, even though we did not have a test kit to prove it.

Taking the Challenge

Jahanghir's face showed that he was not convinced. So, Mahfuz offered to take the "guava leaf challenge." It is well known in the village that if you grind up guava leaves into water that contains iron, it will turn a dark purple color.

guava leaf challenge

Mahfuz asked Jahanghir to collect 2 glasses of water—one from the tube well, and one from his arsenic filter. Taking several leaves from the guava tree in Jahangir's yard and crushing them, Mahfuz put them into the glasses. Quickly, the water from the well turned dark purple, while the filtered water remained crystal clear.

The guava leaf challenge showed Jahanghir that he could count on us to tell him the truth. By working with integrity, we strive to build trust so that we can share the truth about God's love in Jesus.

Go

The Arsenic Alleviation Programme is expanding into new areas and needs a coordinator to work alongside our Bangladeshi colleagues oversee the work. No technical experience necessary! Find out how God could use you
Donate

Resources

Sign up now
Sf Close