Living Water Well - May Update 2
Mitchell Swaback Charities is very happy to announce ... water is flowing to the 52 children of Christ our Hope orphanage! Praise God!!
These words are from Alan who has overseen the construction of this well:
"It was a momentous day! We would set the pump, install the tank and head, and bring forth the clean, safe water the Lord had given to us. There was a festive mood of anticipation flowing through the gathering of children and neighbors. Of course, I just stand around and take pictures, but many people walking along the roadway stopped to tell us "thank you" and share their stories of tiresome treks to get water, hand dug wells going dry, inflated pricing and such. Now they would have access to finer water than ever before, it would be convenient, and free!
The children were dressed for school, but no one attended classes. They watched excitedly as our crew lowered 80 feet of pipe and rod into the well. Although we drilled to 80 meters, the pressure released caused the static level to be within 20 meters of the surface, making it very easy to draw by hand pump.
Finally, with the pump head in place and a few photos taken, we asked Mrs. Bimba to bless the well (Pastor Bimba was at the Seminary). Everyone broke out into songs of praise for about 10 minutes before Mrs. Bimba stepped up to pray. After a very solemn prayer, frequently punctuated by praises from the crowd, she lifted the handle, and the water began to flow! Everyone was motionless as they watched the water pouring forth. Mrs. Bimba kept pumping effortlessly as a bucket that had been placed to catch the water (a habit because of the scarcity of water I assume), overflowed, and the children cheered! No more rationing of water; baths, laundry, washing and cooking would not require the time and effort it had before.
It was difficult to get free of the crowd of children and neighbors wanting to shake my hand and hug me. I regretted being the guy always behind the camera, and not getting photos of those moments."
The water in and of itself is a great blessing! Now we pray that a multitude of blessings will flow from that water; healthier boys and girls, the ability to actually plant seeds and grow food, time to go to school instead of fetching water and a cleaner environment to live in.
MSC wants to thank all of our supporters for being part of giving the precious gift of water to Christ our Hope orphanage!
View the Living Water photo gallery >>
Comments
How awesome!! Congrats!
- Posted By Steve Withington | May 21, 2010, 7:00 AM
4 weeks ago the people of this village had no source of clean water. Through the giving of our donors the MSC had the resources available to make a huge difference at Christ our Hope orphanage. Almost every time I take a drink of water I think of those who have none, from water flows life, way to go everyone for making a difference! The well we provided is a life changer for this small community.
- Posted By Brad Swaback | May 24, 2010, 11:47 AM