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Follow the Water, Follow the Gospel

Today we conducted follow-up visits with the TBM team. The local team that makes the initial contact with the family and connects with them during the distribution event is preferably who conducts their follow-up visits. The relationship between the local team and the family is really special and begins before they ever receive their filter. At least three follow-up visits are conducted with each household (Week 1, Week 3 and Week 6).

What happens at a follow-up visit?

  • Introduction and greetings are the beginning of any encounter in Kenya.  They re-introduce themselves and share about their family and their work.
  • The bar code attached to the filter is scanned.
  • Data is collected on filter use and filter knowledge. At the first follow up visit, it is common to observe that only about 50% of households who have received a filter have used it within the first week.  There are a number of reasons this new device is not immediately implemented into their daily routines. Many find it difficult to accept something new and not part of their culture and are unsure that the filter works or even that filtered water is necessary. Once the local team asses what the specific barrier to adoption is, they spend time reviewing filter usage by having family members practice using and backwashing the filter. They also review hygiene practices like handwashing, toothbrushing, and food handling and preparation. By the second follow up visit, usage rate increased to about 80% and to 94% by the third follow-up visit.
  • If they haven’t taken their anti-parasitic medication they are encouraged to do so.
  • Segments of “The JESUS Film” are shown. This film has brought more than 600 million people to Christ and is available in more than 2,100 languages. Click here to watch The JESUS Film.
  • If the person accepts Christ, they are introduced and connected to a local church and/or discipleship group.
  • About 80% of recipients have a smart phone, so where possible a Bible can be downloaded as well as other teaching materials.  If no smart phone is available, then a New Testament is provided.
  • On average, follow-up visits are about 35 minutes and conclude with prayer requests and closing prayers.
  • At the end of the visit, data is recorded including visit duration, teaching modules were used and materials downloaded.

All of the data is then available to inform and prepare for subsequent follow-up visits. The data is also available for the management team and more importantly for donor accountability. As donors support The Filter Project, we invite them along to follow the water and follow the Gospel by viewing our Mission Mapping dashboard.

A gift of $53 provides a family with a life changing water filter and introduces them to the soul saving message of Jesus Christ. Once your filter has been distributed, you can follow your filter here.

-Elliott