Support Water Projects through East and West Africa
God will fill every need, want, and desire of those who come to him. Water — just like God’s love — always has been and always will be critical in the lives of human beings! I guess that explains why the image of water appears in the Bible more than 720 times! As you may know, Nigeria and other parts of the region are suffering from lack of access to clean water.
Come. Let anyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who desires drink freely from the water of life.
Revelation 22:17
Dear Mr. Doe,
The above quote is one of my favorite from the Bible. I suppose I like it because — when I read it — I can almost feel what the writer is saying. I imagine cool, crystal clear water pouring over my face on a hot summer day. The author, St. John, was using the image of water to explain how God will fill every need, want, and desire of those who come to him. St. John and the other writers knew that water — just like God’s love — always has been and always will be critical in the lives of human beings! I guess that explains why the image of water appears in the Bible more than 720 times!
Recently, I received a letter from Fr. Julius Sangokeye, a missionary who works in the town of Ikire in the Osun State of southwestern Nigeria (West Africa). As you may know from news reports during the last few months, many people throughout Nigeria and in other parts of the region are struggling from attacks by extremist groups.
Because of this and the abject poverty which continues to affect so many innocent victims, Fr. Julius’ mission needs our help!
“There are about 350,000 people in this area who lack basic living necessities,” Fr. Julius writes. “This includes not having an adequate supply of water. The majority of the population (85%) is comprised of women and children — so they are the ones being most affected by this crisis. since they do not have clean, safe water to drink, they must fetch it from unsafe sources — such as rivers, creeks, and water holes that animals drink from as well.”
“Because of this,” he continues, “the women and children are at risk of water-borne diseases such as gastroenteritis (diarrhea and vomiting), cholera, worm infestation, typhoid fever, and more. While this affects everyone, those who are at the greatest risk of death are infants and the elderly. Too many people are getting sick and being affected by the lack of clean water. We urgently need to find sources of clean water!”
“Our mission has donated a piece of land that will be used for drilling a new borehole well. While one well will obviously not provide enough for everyone, it is a start. Every new well that we drill will provide fresh water for that many more people.”
“Since the people here are very poor, they have very little money, if any, to contribute to the project. They have, though, thus far, donated about $1,800. They have also been doing the manual labor necessary to clear the land. We would be most grateful for any help you could give us to getting a new well drilled as soon as possible.”
Along with his letter, Fr. Julius included an itemized breakdown of all of the materials that are needed for drilling and constructing the well and the overall cost of the project. In addition to drilling the well (which is the most expensive component due to the heavy machinery that is needed) — pipes, valves, faucets, water storage tanks, tank stands, cement, sand and an assortment of other items must also be purchased.
The total amount we are hoping to raise for the new borehole and for water projects in our other missions throughout East and West Africa is $43,000. I know this is a lot of money — but right now, the need for clean water is incredible!
My friend, you have been so generous to our missionaries and those who we serve. Because of your kindness, so much good has been accomplished. Is there any way you can help us again? I am also wondering if you (or someone you know) would be able to match the $1,800 that the poor people of Ikire have been able to raise. What a blessing that would be! Whatever you send — whether or not you send a large gift, the most critical thing is to at least send something. Any amount will help provide clean water to those who are desperate for water to drink.
Thank you and God bless you for all that you do.