Living Water

HOUSTON, TX—September 30, 2011 was an evening to remember as more than 1,200 people gathered at the Hilton Americas Hotel in Houston, Texas, for Living Water International’s biggest gala ever. The night was dedicated to the theme “One Thirst,” a celebration of the Church, Living Water, and how they meet in the middle of God's extraordinary love for the world's thirsty.

At elegantly adorned tables in the largest ballroom in Houston, guests entered the story of the thirsty through art, music, video, and live testimonies from people who all share this One Thirst. KSBJ’s Liz Jordan emceed the evening while Ecclesia’s artist-in-residence, Scott Erickson, hosted the first-ever live web simulcast that was viewed by thousands all over the United States and around the world. A painting done by Erickson during the gala was auctioned at Living Water’s Open House the following morning, with all proceeds going directly toward Living Water’s global operations.

Guest speaker Bill Hybels and musical guests The Robbie Seay Band and Page CXVI helped make this year’s gala a truly memorable event. Emails and comments after the gala declared that the evening was “phenomenal” and “the best gala ever.” If you weren't able to make it to the gala this year, or if you want to relive some of your favorite moments from the evening, you can see videos of all the speakers and performances here.

Early estimates indicate that the 2011 gala raised more than 2.1 million dollars, making it possible for Living Water to continue demonstrating God’s love by providing even more clean, safe water—and the living water of Jesus Christ—to the world’s thirsty.