Kenya Well Project
Article by Briana Nei
How far do you need to walk to get a drink of water? Across the room? In many places in Africa, it is normal for people to walk 6 or 7 miles a day to get to a clean water source. Earlier this spring, I was tired and hungry after work. I stopped at a local favorite establishment and they had closed early. Deep sigh. I got in my car and drove around the block to another favorite. Also, closed. I checked out four more restaurants down Main Street—closed between lunch and dinner. Walking down the street, I had a check inside my heart, as I felt myself wilt in the chilly spring drizzle. Truly, I am detached from the suffering of most of the world, when I let a little drizzle and a search for food in my car bring my spirits down. Most of the world has very limited water supply. The World Health Organization estimates that every year 3,575,000 people die from water related diseases. This is equivalent to a jumbo jet crashing every hour. Most of these people are children (2.2 million).
This past year, the Lord opened the door for Revealed Ministries and Emmaus Church to partner with a church in Kisii, Kenya. Revealed Ministries began caring for an orphanage, with the help of donations from faithful supporters. Bibles were purchased by Emmaus Church for the new believers in Kenya in their own language and I (Briana) regularly met with the church on Zoom with words of encouragement. Pastor Mike joined for our dedication of Bibles for the church. Dozens of people have given their hearts to the Lord, and the pastor tells us that several abusive husbands turned to Jesus and repented of their abuse.
The Lord led me to ask Pastor Zachariah about their water source. Pastor Zachariah communicated that their orphanage and church are located over a mile from a safe water source. It is a small water pipe in the ground with a small low pressure trickle of water coming from it. During the dry seasons, the “cue” or line for water can be quite long. During the rainy seasons, people catch rain water from the roof in buckets.
Praying for guidance, we started researching well drilling ministries in Kenya. I (Briana) found an American based ministry, Christian Aid Ministries that has missions groups all over the globe. They have a well drilling ministry in Kenya. I was able to connect with their staff. Their missionaries went to the village to assess the situation and agreed to work with us to put in a well with a solar powered pump and a water tower with the potential to bring indoor plumbing to the entire village.
Because of the need, Christian Aid ministries used their well fund to get the project started and it is almost completed. We are raising money to cover the costs and “replenish” the funds for their continued work in the region.
If you would like to partner with us, we are working to raise $30,000 for this water project that includes drilling, water tower and a solar powered pump. It also includes piping to set up the village to have indoor plumbing in the future. Revealed Ministries and Emmaus Church are working together on this project.
This water opportunity will alleviate suffering, provide increased health and wellness and give the church a strong testimony in the village and surrounding areas. Jesus said, “Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:13-14
Pastor Zachariah reports back that this well and the food for the orphans has given the whole village hope. Many are coming to Jesus. "Some people who would only come to worship once in a while are coming every Sunday now. The politicians would always use the potential well as a campaign promise to get votes. Every election they would talk about the well. They never kept their promise. Now the people know that Jesus is the hope and that he works miracles."
We have a matching challenge from a generous donor. Every dollar up to the $15,000 mark will be matched! Click to give today! https://emmausofclarke.com/giving
As of 7-7-22, we have raised $7,585 towards the $15,000 goal. The entire project is $30,000 with an anonymous donor matching the amount we raise.
