“Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.'”
— John 7:38
Living Water is a Christ-centered outreach of Messiah for Muslims serving Arabic-speaking immigrant women in greater Chicago through private, women-only swimming programs — creating a safe, culturally respectful space to gain life-saving skills, build friendships, and encounter the hope of the Gospel.
Why Living Water?
Many Muslim women in Chicago long for safe spaces to exercise and belong, yet face major barriers: limited access to women-only facilities, little opportunity to learn water-safety skills, and social isolation from Christian neighbors. Living Water responds with a high-quality, culturally sensitive swimming program that removes every barrier — cultural, financial, and logistical.
Our Mission
To offer Muslim women high-quality, culturally sensitive swimming and community opportunities that foster trust, meaningful relationships, and Gospel-centered engagement.
Our Vision
To create a trusted, reproducible platform reaching Muslim women across Chicago — and the USA — through welcoming women-only spaces where genuine friendships flourish and the life-changing message of Christ is shared naturally.
What We Do
- Beginner and intermediate swimming lessons taught by a certified female instructor
- Strictly private, modesty-honoring pool sessions — no men present
- Small group structure that encourages conversation, prayer, and discipleship
- Home visits, community gatherings, and follow-up Bible studies as women express interest
Through the simple joy of swimming, walls come down, trust grows, and spiritual conversations emerge naturally.
What Makes Living Water Different?
- A co-founder with a Muslim background who now follows Christ, able to share the Gospel authentically from the inside
- Years of hands-on experience teaching swimming to Muslim women in Oman and now in the USA
- Native Arabic communication that builds trust and opens hearts
- A partnership between a certified swim instructor and a mission co-leader creating a safe haven for both physical learning and spiritual conversation
Meet the Team
Pastor Hesham Shehab
Missionary & Director, Messiah for Muslims
Provides spiritual leadership, vision, and church partnership for the program.
Allison
Co-Founder & Certified Swim Instructor
Brings years of experience teaching Muslim women to swim and oversees safety and program quality.
Zainah
Co-Founder & Program Manager
An Arabic-speaking immigrant who bridges cultures, builds trust, and walks with women in ongoing discipleship.
Impact & Goals
- Serve at least 120 students over a six-month season (May–October)
- Offer scholarships for at least 70% of participants so finances are never a barrier
- Build partnerships with churches and organizations to expand across Chicagoland
How You Can Partner
- Pray — for open doors, protection, and receptive hearts
- Give — toward pool rental, transportation, scholarships, and discipleship materials
- Invite — your church or small group to explore partnership and sponsorship