What a land of extremes Australia is!
What a place of extremes is the whole world!

Massive floods have covered western Queensland from north to south, not to mention many areas of the east coast of Queensland as well. These waters have caused damage, big damage, but also brought new life and hope to all that part of the country, and gradually to the south as well.

The Melbourne Age of 17 March reported that the Menindee Lakes near Broken Hill, which can hold four times as much water as Sydney Harbour, should overflow during the next month for the first time in eight years! At the same time, much of Australia remains in drought – and much much more worrying are the constant water shortages suffered by many millions of people around the world. In another twist, many children and adults die from water-borne diseases.

World Water Day on 22nd March focussed attention on this gift of water, so essential for life. It highlighted lots of projects through which developed country communities have entered into partnerships with poorer drought-ridden communities to ensure clean water supplies.

One such project involves the Toowoomba Diocese Social Justice Commission, local Rotary clubs and villages in the Sudan. What a practical way to draw people into the Gospel!

For more information, visit the web site at http://www.worldwaterday2010.info