Water is life

Before time passes at the speed of life, I must share the great news related to the orphanage/church in N'Djamena. As you may remember, Kolpele had a discrete wish list before I left for my current rotation. He needed much more supplies: clothing, medicines, tools, Bibles, shoes, toothbrushes, and many other items for his congregation/orphanage, as well as for the seed churches around the country. The latter group had not received much from my prior visits and were in need of basic necessities of life. These are the items that were generously provided and which I packed in my suitcase.

It may seem simple to us who are so blessed but Kolpele's largest request was for clean drinking water. Such a simple thing. We take it for granted everytime we fill up a glass from the fridge. If it isn't the right temperature or if it tastes funny or if has been sitting too long we will pour it out and get a new glass. Kolpele has had no access to clean water of his own but has had to purchase it from neighbors that live nearby. This of course costs money, but it also is a drain on everyone to haul water to the compound every day.

You may remember my photographs of the current well in the compound, but I learned that this well is only for washing dishes and bathing - i.e. non potable. Indeed I think it would kill an American to drink from. The drinking water comes from a neighbor who charges by the gallon, and it must be carried to the orphanage in containers. Kolpele's request was too great to be put off so we agreed on a goal to raise $1500 to fund the entire project. It seemed insurmountable in the short time I had before travelling- I only found out these details 4-5 days before leaving.

As God is the Great Provider, he followed through with his promise to watch over his flock. Money came in from sources that I had not even asked. Some people I have never met came to introduce themselves to me to help financially. The most incredible story is of 4 young children who were so moved by the orphans that they gave up their personal allowance money, all they had, to help kids around the world. Through the grace of God I had exactly $1500 in hand as I left for the airport.

Kolpele was overjoyed to receive the funding. With his entire salary going towards feeding and clothing the 30-40 people in his congregation (and a lesser extent the 200+ people in his seed churches) he had little disposable income to start such a capital project. Within 4 days of receiving the money, Kolpele had the well drilled, hand pump installed, and clean water flowing!

Besides saving money and effort, the addition of the clean drinking water will help to alleviate  much of the disease of the area. It will also provide a great opportunity to invite others from the community to share in the wellspring of life - physically and metaphorically. Kolpele now has the chance to preach to those who would normally never come by his church as he provides them with clean drinking water free of charge.

In John 4:13-14: Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."

Kolpele later travelled to the villages around the country bringing some of the items that were donated. There was celebration in each village that received the gifts. It is always amazing how much impact such a little thing like a new shirt or a toothbrush or a Bible has on a person who experiences so many challenges in life. The pictures sent back show kids wearing nothing but shorts dancing with joy when Kolpele came. As a sidenote, Kolpele is such the servant that he personally built walls for a new church while on his visit. I can honestly say I don't know a person busier than Kolpele, especially one that never complains about anything.

I want to thank you all for your thoughts and prayers and to continue sharing this story with everyone you know. I am currently in Chad but will be returning home in early March. I will be making one more trip back to Chad before my rotational assignment is over and there is still so much to do.

The next request from Kolpele is a reliable vehicle. This is becoming more and more important as Kolpele travels throughout the country picking up orphans, setting up churches, and bringing materials and supplies back to N'Djamena. Currently he has an old automobile that is neither safe, nor reliable, nor large enough to carry anything of great consequence besides himself. There is an opportunity to purchase a Land Cruiser through a used automobile auction for a discounted price, and a smaller opporunity to have it donated at no cost. Please pray for this opportunity and that the funding will come in or it will be provided. Following the vehicle purchase, we will be working to get a second water well drilled in the South where there is no access to clean water, and we will finish the goat farm. If you feel inclined, donations can be made through Peace Gospel International or you can contact me directly.