International (MNN) ― What do wedding rings and water wells have in common? It's Living Water International and a partnering ministry called "With This Ring."
By working together, they have brought clean drinking water to some 20,000 Africans.
Couples from around the country donate their wedding and engagement rings to WTR to convert into fresh water wells.
It's a fairly simple process. Rings donated by couples will be sold to those seeking to participate in the cause by purchasing them.
WTR's Web site walks a donor through it step-by-step. Essentially, a potential donor takes the ring to a jeweler to get it appraised. There's an IRS donation form on their Web site. Then, after filling it out, send the jewelry in to WTR along with the appraisal, appraiser's signature and the IRS form.
From there, they put it on the auction block. This year, Valentine's Day Ring Auction proceeds go to LWI to rebuild wells destroyed by the earthquake in Haiti. By providing clean water, teams can also share the "living water" of the Gospel. The auction will be open until February 9 and can be accessed here.
People are encouraged to share their own story of making grand gestures on the With This Ring blog and also to consider purchasing a ring as an act of radical generosity for their loved one and for the people of Haiti.
