WorldServe International

All, as a LinkedIn skeptic I enter the waters with my first post in a while. In 2015, I called a couple mates here in Charlottesville, VA and asked them what they thought about starting a bike ride to raise a few bucks for the Hungry and Thirsty? I had just experienced the Pan-Mass Challenge, a $60M monster fundraiser with 7,000 riders. It was a blast and an event that moves the needle for cancer research. So....we started the Journey of Awesomeness. As a wise-ass friend said at the time, "wow, I can't believe that url was not taken". Over the last 9 years we have raised >$1.5M and moved the needle in our own wee way. The pillars of our ride have always been; relationship, community. fun, fitness, epic smack talk, and supporting our Hungry and Thirsty brethren. So to all my LinkedIn "friends" out there I make a request for the Hungry and Thirsty on behalf of the Journey of Awesomeness. This is our final year. Year 10. It is an event that has given me sooo much community, fitness, and fun, and I thank God for the people and $$ the JoA has brought into my life, and the >1M meals to the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank and the 45,000 Thirsty brothers and sisters that now have access to clean water through $$ raised for WorldServe International. Amazing Grace! Really. The pic below and this 4-minute video from 2018 captures the essence of the event if you want a closer look. https://lnkd.in/eF_RKT53 And finally, here is the ask. My personal fundraising page is here. Thanks for the consideration. Let me know how I can reciprocate: https://lnkd.in/e3e2S9eZ And to all y'all that have supported this thing over the years, huge hugs and thanks.

Do you ever consider the ripple effect of your actions today? Candidly, I struggle to. This past week in Tanzania has helped me see the impact of #PullupsforTanzania. Because of our initiative in 2022 to raise money for clean water, Malcolm Brogdon and his foundation decided to join our efforts at the Mumbii Primary School in Tanzania. Instead of just clean water (which is great in itself), the school now has 50 tablets to help with individualized learning and a basketball court and area for the kids to play! Even better that we are sharing resources...the tablets are powered by our solar panels from the water project. An awesome example of TANZANIA WATER FUND, WorldServe International, and Malcolm Brogdon coming together for good!! https://lnkd.in/gxWMtg4P

Excited to share with you my progress on Mount Kilimanjaro! Such a tremendous impact watching first hand what your support creates worldwide! The positivity that transpires from The Chris Long Foundation partnering with WorldServe International has been truly uplifting. 2 days away from the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro! Thanks for your support! Waterboys.org/JohnFollmer

?? Honored to welcome Honorable Tagesse Chafo, Speaker of the House of People Representatives of Ethiopia, to the Women's Center in Bishoftu! Joined by Pastor Ketema Kinfe, WSI Country Director, AG missionaries Dr. Douglas Rosenberg, Pastor Ayansa, General Secretary of Ethiopian Assemblies of God Church, Pastor Woyesa, Pastor Biniam, and Mr. Henok Amare, Site Engineer. The visit unveiled the incredible potential of our upcoming project. Mr. Henok's detailed project explanation left the Honourable pleasantly surprised! The emphasis on women's empowerment, sanitation, and education resonated deeply, garnering appreciation. The commitment of both the Honourable and the government to support this transformative project was heartening. ?? A special moment followed as Dr. Douglas offered a heartfelt prayer for the success of the project and for the esteemed Honorable Tagesse Chafo. Grateful for the collaboration and shared vision! ???? #WSICommunityImpact #EmpowermentJourney #TransformativeProjects

We're thrilled to reflect on another incredible year filled with monumental strides toward our goals. With official operations in four countries and plans to expand into Guinea in 2024, our footprint is only set to grow. Our drilling efforts have yielded over 150 water sites in 2023, changing countless lives across the continent. And this past year alone, we've impacted hundreds of thousands - a true testament to the power of collective action. https://lnkd.in/gH2Z3XMf

2023 was an incredible year, with record-breaking achievements. In 2024, we have already hit the ground running, and this year is shaping up to be even better than the last! We want to take a moment to look back at last year and celebrate all that we could accomplish thanks to YOU - our friends, families, and partners. Your support has enabled us to change lives and make a difference in Africa. We are so grateful for your continued partnership as we strive to give Africa our best!