Ephesians 3:20-21, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” 

In late January, we emailed Experito to notify him that funds were available to build the teacher’s home that houses the teacher for the school in Kochgoma. The temporary structure that had been built previously was destroyed in a storm. 

The community wanted to build a permanent structure for the teacher.  We discussed the typical local home (mud hut), but those who are educated enough to teach would generally have a different expectation for housing.  Therefore the one teacher who had been willing to teach in Kochgoma was living in Gulu and making a horrendously long and difficult daily commute into Kochgoma (think huge mud mogles for 60 to 90 minutes each way on a motorbike).

The Koch Goma community began by donating bricks (which they made) to build the new structure. 

 When we learned they were hand-carrying all the bricks from their community to the school site, we were able to send money in May of 2011 to assist with transportation.

Still money was needed for items such as iron sheets (for roofing), nails, cement, and some skilled labor.

Below is Experito’s always-spirited response to learning of the good news that the $11,000 necessary to build the school teacher’s home is now available…

Waaaaooohhhh……Waaaoooohhhh….Waaaooooohhhhhh! This is incredible! It is unimaginable! I am at loss for words. I believe in the kingdom of God there is enough for every need except greed.

I had not been on the internet to see your email, because we had traveled to Kitgum. It is a district north of Gulu, on the border of Sudan, and there had been an outbreak of NODDING DISEASE (a fatal, mentally and physically disabling disease that only affects young children typically between the ages of 5 and 15).

This disease caused people to abandon each other in order to avoid it. We risked our lives to take food to some of the suffering families. Many had gone days without food or medical help in near reach of them. But when we arrived they were filled with joy and we got to minister to them.

We also discovered kids who had passed well to go secondary school. Some of these kids hopes for further studies had been shattered because their relatives and parents were now helpless. We picked Daniel, one of the kids who had passed well, and the congregation bought him scholastic materials, as well as a mattress to go to boarding school. We have yet to raise tuition for him to cerebrate joy in his schooling.

Justine had gone to Kochgoma with Carissa to make arrangements for the start of the new term. The teacher of the school in Koch Goma had expressed pain in traveling daily long distances to the school. So he opted to halt the services. God has demonstrated a miracle. When all was immovable, God moved. We cannot say enough thank you for your concerted efforts to make Kochgoma a place of praise for God. Thanks to Drea, the director, for the new breath of energy which is bearing unexpected precious fruits. Our momentum has taken us to unimaginable levels.

Next week it will be work on the staff house. We salute Pastor Steve for his love for us and courageously became a voice for the voiceless.

Hugs and Love to all,
Experito

Postscript- On the morning of 2/6, Experito sent an email that said: We are sooooo happy that Daniel’s tuition has been worked on. He at least can be able to reach S.4 (High school grade 4 out of 6) with the contributions that have been pledged for him by the members of our church. He starts his schooling on 13th Feb.

Dear friends,

2011 was a year of much change, prayer, and careful evaluation.  We know it’s been a while since we posted, and we all firmly believe that nothing in God’s Word has changed!  (Yes, we are stating the obvious there!) We still believe God’s Word calls us to remember the poor, to pursue the kingdom of heaven with great joy, and to excel in the grace of giving, pursuing the goal of equality.

We have continued in partnership and communication with both  Pastor Experito and his wife Justine in Gulu, and with Pastor Cyrus and his wife Eucabeth in Kisii.  We plan to share news from them with you on a monthly basis. 

Below is a personal email written by Experito regarding the events of his Christmas day.  Enjoy…

I have just returned from different villages where there had been IDP (Internally Displaced People). Recent reports indicated that some elderly people are starving to death. While most people returned to villages where they lived before the war, these elderly people could not return because they had lost most of their children and able relatives who could support them. This category of people remained behind.

With that in mind, our church decided to give these people a special Christmas treat. So I travelled to three of these IDP together with Charles, an elder in the church. We borrowed a vehicle where we loaded posho, rice and beans. We also raised some money to buy them meat!!! The ministry was exciting. Some of them cried tears of joy because it had not occurred to them that God could make such an arrangement which could cause a pastor to be out of his congregation on Christmas Day!!! It was an opportunity to share with them the love of God who leaves the 99 sheep and goes to look for the lost one. We were able to minister to a total of thirty elderly people.

Back at church, Justine, had remained with other leaders to serve kids of prisoners. Arrangements had been made to go to the homes of some of these prisoners and give a special treat to these kids!!!

When we had finished our ministry to the elderly, on our way back, the vehicle experienced a serious mechanical damage in the differential. It couldn’t move any further. The place did not have a slight network to make a phone call for help. Charles walked for over twenty miles in the evening to get help. I slept in the car. It is today that we were towed to Gulu.

Justine thought I had gone with the camera. She never took any pictures. At times when I go on some risky missions. I do not curry valuables like cameras which I might lose in the process especially when the support team is small. Therefore, I did not take any pictures.

Thank you for your prayers we have all arrived alive.

Happy New Year 2012!

Hugs and Love,
Experito

It has been a pleasant moment to meet with Vincent the local area village chairperson. He found me taking pictures of kids as they were arriving for school.

He appreciated the way this school was put in a jungle where it was not easy for kids to access schooling because of distance from government-aided schools and the dangerous bushy roads they have to use en route to school.

He looked at the decent shoes and the backpacks and he was astounded to have such care and concern for the kids in the locality.  He expressed his great faith in the nursery school to grow to the High School level.  He saw also how they get meals at school which included beans and posho, which they eat before going back home since  many of the kids travel a fairly long distance. During break time they are provided with porridge.  He looked at the places where they play the games and  it was amazing to him.

The good water which was so abundant for the kids to drink at ease satisfied his curiosity, and he concluded that God has caring people in the world.

Happy Easter,
Experito

I was reminded by David Platt this morning that whenever we take clothing, we must also take the gospel.  Whenever we take water, we must take the gospel.  Satan doesn’t mind if we clothe and feed people on their way to hell.

While we rejoice in providing water to those who don’t have access to it, our greatest joy and ambition is in bringing the Living Water of Jesus to those who don’t yet know Him and the freedom and abundant life He brings.  In an area where witchcraft, war and death has had deep roots, the light of Jesus is being made known.  We thank God for Pastor Experito and those living in Kochgoma who are faithfully spreading the gospel, destroying strongholds, and taking every thought captive to obey Christ.

Last July, one of my dearest friends from high school turned 40.  (Yes, that means that I am now 4-0, too.)  In honor of her 40th birthday, she invited her family and friends to participate in raising funds for a well in Kochgoma.

Due to a broken camera and a stolen laptop, we have waited a very long time for these photos.  I just received them a couple of days ago, and it is with great delight that I get to share them…finally!  The fruit of a 40th birthday celebration.

Solomon pumping water for his friends

In Acts, these men who went into Thessolonica were “accused” of having turned the world upside down.  And apparently they turned Thessolonica upside down, too.  Because Paul later wrote this about the Thessolonians: “For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere…For they themselves report how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.”

We are praying as these little Koch-gomans receive the love and care of Jesus physically through water and food, and as they hear the gospel of truth and peace preached among them, that they will become young men and women who are accused of turning the world upside down for Him.

The partnership which could only have been crafted by our God cannot be traded for anything.

Hugs and Blessings,
Experito

Experito sitting in front of his water tank and church building

The classic peanut butter picture. (Experito, Cindys Dad, Justine, Cara, Cindys uncle)

Thank you for your love for the Lord, which overflows in giving.  Your contributions made possible Experito and Justine’s water tank (which provides water to their church members as well), the laptop AND lock (!), and of course the peanut butter.  I’ve heard reports of whooping and hollering associated with the gift of the peanut butter.  It’s a sight to behold .  The water tank, which saves Pastor Experito and Justine hours of walking each day, was donated last year.  They used to have to walk more than 2 kilometers to collect water.  You can see a picture of the old water collection site here.

And it is my prayer that (our) love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that (we) may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.  Philippians 1:9-11

Isaiah 62:7

It is with unimaginable joy that I tell you what I saw at the new school in Kochgoma (Gulu).

We witnessed kids exuding with confidence as they put their feet in shoes for the first time in their life. You would not help to see parents and guardians looking at their kids with hope and joy. Indeed one can observe smiles on the faces of these people on whom a smile was an unusual phenomenon. Lives are getting touched for better.

These parents were all unanimous and earnest in appreciating the generosity of the friends of the unknown to care so much in lifting the standard of living for their children. One after the other they talked while narrating how such a jungle is turning out to be a place of inspiration. They expressed gratitude for the classroom, borehole (well), and feeding of their children at school. They also are grateful for the good teachers who have helped their children and can now speak and understand English. They appreciated the backpacks and kool aid drink, uniforms and more so the shoes!!!

I can see an investment in this community which has  both precious and priceless returns.
Many thanks to all who made it possible to make these kids have a smile as well.
Hugs and Love,
Experito

The first school in the village of Ajwiya (Kochgoma, Gulu)- Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded...

Sharing porridge at school

For many years, Voice of the Martyrs has been one of my favorite ministries.  Today, a prisoner alert for Kim Kyung ll was posted, with an urgent call for an outpouring of public action.

If you are able, please join me in praying for Kyung, writing a letter (automatically translated into Chinese) to him, and leaving a message at the Chinese Embassy 213-807-8088, #3.

Location: China
Arrested: May 2002
Days Imprisoned: 3201

Print Fact Sheet

During early 1997, Kim Kyung ll and his brother crossed the border from North Korea into China. The following year he met a pastor, became a Christian and joined a Bible study group. Under the leadership of this pastor, Kyung ll served refugees from North Korea and started Bible studies in the Chengdoo region. He later became involved with sending refugees to South Korea.

Kyung ll was overseer of a safe house that discipled over 70 refugees. When a large number from the group were arrested by the Chinese police, he fled with some of the remaining refugees to the China-Mongolian border. He and his wife were captured, but the rest of the group continued their journey in the desert. Without their leader, they wandered for two days and finally crossed the border into Mongolia, where they reached the South Korean embassy and received passage to South Korea.

Kyung ll and his wife were sent back to North Korea and placed in prison. His pregnant wife was hit in the stomach with a stick forcing an abortion. In the prison there were many inmates who knew Kim well, but they protected him by pretending not to know him. Thus the authorities did not realize how involved he was with helping refugees escape from North Korea. He was released after serving only a short sentence. He remembers that those who protected his identity while in prison had asked him to work harder to let the world know about their situation.

Kim’s wife was released from prison shortly after the forced abortion. She escaped to South Korea with other family members. After his release, Kyung ll fled to China and worked at another safe house. He continued to disciple refugees and assisted them in escaping to South Korea. During April 2002, he was caught by the Chinese police. Since his arrest, he has been held in prison in China. He is scheduled to be sent back to North Korea when released from prison in China. All his family now live in South Korea. Pray Kim Kyung ll will not be sent back to North Korea, where he will surely be executed.

Deportation and Execution Likely
Kim Kyung ll has been in prison 10 years. Just days ago, VOM contacts received word that his sentence is expected to be commuted and he may be free in September. Normally this would be cause for rejoicing, but as soon as Kim Kyung ll is released he’ll face deportation to North Korea. There, he will almost certainly be executed. Our contact writes, “The only hope he may have is a huge outpouring of public awareness, which might at least delay his execution.”

Friends are working frantically to help Kim Kyung ll, but it’s not easy. Please pray for a solution and write Chinese officials today.*

*The email addresses provided for writing Chinese officials are not working.  The Embassy is denying/blocking them.  Leaving a message at the Embassy is the best way to communicate with them right now.

The new ambulance

The people of Alelesi seem to be doing well. When we first visited this community about 200 people had returned to the villages from the IDP camps (internally displaced persons), and now that number is up to almost 600. It is a great sign that people are leaving the camps, rebuilding their homes and starting to plant crops again.

We heard from many people how the bibles and  borehole (well) have really impacted the community. We heard stories from the community how many people have started going to church.

We also heard how the overall health of the community has improved drastically because of the borehole. They said that there are very few cases of diarrhea and skin rashes. They also said that they are able to accomplish a lot more during their days since they spend less time fetching water.

This woman shared how she benefited from the borehole.

One woman shared that her health has drastically improved with the new borehole because she is living with AIDS and previously the long distance to fetch water would make her extremely tired and she would have stop several times on the long trip. She is so grateful that with the clean water and easy access she is in much better health. We also heard from many people that abuse in the homes has decreased since the time it takes to fetch water has decreased. The several hours that it would take before would cause fights in the homes between husbands and wives and there would also be fights at the boreholes due to the amount of people waiting to get water.

We gave the community the bicycle that was donated and they were very excited. They are going to elect a committee to oversee the maintenance and operations of the bike. Since the bike will be available for the entire community to rent at a very small cost, the committee will oversee the scheduling and collection of money. We told the community that the purpose of the bike was 1) for emergency situations when somebody got sick and needed to go to the clinic and 2) for people to rent, as they need to go to town for the markets to either sell their crops or buy supplies. They were very receptive to this and the committee will put together rules and regulations for the use of the bicycle.

The borehole committee has collected over 300,000 shillings ($130) from monthly collections from the community and is lending out the money to the community, as they need it. Many people have been able to take their sick children to the clinic with this money and some have started small businesses.

Gospel Sharing
In both villages, Alelesi and Appeleun, I shared on Exodus 14 and 16, the story of how God freed the Israelites out of Egypt, led them across the Red Sea and how He provided for them time and time again. However, as we see through Exodus the Israelites continue to doubt God and at times wish they had never left Egypt. I talked about how many people give their life to Christ but when difficult times come they quickly doubt God and resort to complaining and other ways of dealing with the situation. Witchcraft and worship of ancestral spirits and culture are very common in Africa and I encouraged them to look at the Israelites and check their hearts. We don’t want a faith that is an inch deep but a faith that goes deep. We want to put all of our faith and trust in God alone.

We ought to not judge the Israelites but take the time to check our faith and assess if we turn to God during the tough times or if we complain and resort to other means. The people of both Alelesi and Appeleun spent upwards of 40 years living in camps because of the violence and attacks from the Karamonjog people. Despite the current difficult situations I encouraged them to look back on how God has provided for them and turn to Him in their current situations. Many people are returning back to the villages, starting gardens and living without fear, the very thing they wanted for years. God provided a borehole in each community that has allowed them to build homes and has improved their health drastically.

I also talked about how God provided for the Israelites out of love. He did not provide for them out of obligation or because the Israelites deserved it, he did it because he loved them. We also looked at Luke 12 about how God provides for the ravens and how much more God loves us than birds.

A message we continue to share when we go to these villages is that we come out of love and we feel the most important thing we can bring is the Word of God. We continue to encourage them to come together as a community and worship, pray and read the Word together.

“The world is lost because the world participated in the fall. That is what distinguishes the world from creation, which is good. ‘World’ is the biblical word for fallen creation- spoiled in its nature, its structures, and its systems by involvement with the fall of its caretaker- man. Thus there is no changing the world by humanitarian ideals or rational principles, because they originate in the world’s equally spoiled caretaker. Only God can change the world by a gracious recreation of the caretaker, followed by the restoration of the world (Romans 8:19-22)”.~ unknown

I originally sat down to write this blog about my recent trip to Katakwi. However, as I was reading a book by David Platt tonight on my taxi ride home, I came across a section that has really got me thinking. The truth is that the entire book has me thinking and is awesome (and I’d type it all on this blog but that may not be legal so I’ll just encourage you to purchase it), as are his sermons so I thought it appropriate to share this and the update on Katakwi will have to come later.

Platt asks this question, “Do we believe the reward found in Jesus is worth the risk of following him?” He then goes through Matthew 10 and lists the risks that Jesus said we would encounter if we did follow him. Matthew 10:8 says, “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons.” Jesus is telling his disciples about the kind of people they would be among: the sick, the dying and the diseased. Jesus goes on to say in verse 16, “I am sending you out as sheep among wolves.” Clearly danger was added to the list of what the disciples could expect. Lastly, Matthew 10: 22-23, “All men will hate you because of me… when you are persecuted in one place, flee to another.” Jesus said when, not if.

So there you have it: the sick, the dying, the diseased, danger and persecution. I am onboard with going to the sick, the diseased and the dying. I am not sure about how I feel about danger. And I’m definitely not in love with the idea of being persecuted. With that said, I want a faith in which I would do whatever it takes. I want a faith that is so confident of the reward found in Jesus that I knew it was worth the risk at any cost.

It’s funny because on hard days when I think about going home, I think about how much easier things would be. I think about the support of my family and friends, ease of living (hot water, washing machines, street signs) and as of lately the food. But as it turns out, whether it is here or Chicago, the message of Matthew 10 does not say go to the comfortable places with healthy, safe, loving people. Jesus says to bring the gospel to the nations and he tells us what to expect when we do so. Shoot.

As it stands in Uganda, we are free to preach the Word of Christ without worry of danger and persecution but what about the unreached people who live in countries where being a Christian gets you killed? I kind of want to say that I’ll trust others to go there but if I’m honest, and Platt does a great job reminding us of this in the book, we don’t have that freedom. The Bible tells us to go and to be prepared for how hard it will be. But the Bible also tells us of the great reward for doing so. As you keep reading Matthew 10 verse 39 says, “Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” So I pray for a faith that leads wherever God commands, be it Mongolia, Indonesia, Somalia or Chicago (although I hope there’s coffee wherever I go).

I’ll end with one more quote from Platt’s book, “This is the unavoidable conclusion of Matthew 10. To everyone wanting a safe, untroubled, comfortable life free from danger, stay away from Jesus.”

But to that I say, I don’t want to stay away from Jesus.

Cara on one of her trips to Teso

Tonya with Angela, who has been living with her and is now healed of her Tuberculosis

We have the privilege of partnering with two of the most amazing young women you’ll likely ever meet.  Cara lives in Entebbe near the Nkumba schools, and Tonya lives about 4 hours east in Jinja.  Both are in Uganda with Remember the Poor.

Trans-continental trips don’t come cheap!  If you have frequent flyer miles that you’d like to donate (or un-used airline gift cards), please email me with the quantity of miles you have available as well as the airline.  We have specific need for 4 tickets in late January, and 1 in March.  We can use both domestic and international carriers, as some of the travel is within the U.S.

Thank you!

Hello,

My name is Charlie, a dentist in Spokane. I was searching around the internet for missions in dentistry, etc., when I happened upon a link to your ministry. I had no intention on going to the site as I surveyed the list of links. I do not know you and there are many ministries out there. But for some reason, my eyes kept seeing your names and I was compelled to go there. And so I did.

I loved reading your blog and my heart was moved.

I saw your links to David Platt and I had never heard of him. But you said it was a “must-see” for Christians, so I took you up on that. Well, let’s make a long story short, our family has been having “video nights” using David’s series and they have impacted us in amazing ways.  Not an hour goes by without some kind of thought towards our richness and how we can use our resources for heaven and not for ourselves just as Christ showed us. You were right: they are life-changing and I could not be more excited for what God is doing.

So I want to thank you. You, who I do not know, yet used by God to direct our thoughts towards heaven.

David Platt has become kind of a “second” pastor to us and a regular on our podcast subscriptions. I’m especially moved to see my 19 year old downloading many of David’s sermons to his ipod and the other night he had friends in his room and when I dropped in, they were watching one of David’s sermons on Radical Christianity. This has been real powerful.

Tomorrow night we start the Faith Works series. I’m excited about that. We would love to get other families involved with us too as they would be great for a small group ministry.

God Bless you guys in all your ministry and I will always be grateful to you as

Your brother in the Lord,
Charlie

We are so thankful to the person who introduced us to David Platt’s teaching on one of the most important subjects in the Bible.  We can’t help but share what God has used in our lives.  For anyone who leads a small group, these are two excellent series. (Click on the images above for links to the two online video message series.) Frank has led a couple of groups through this. And we love going through it again ourselves. It is powerful, and truly is a “must-see”. It fits well into a 13-week group. If you have questions or ideas, comments or suggestions, please feel free to contact us! ~ Frank and Cindy

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:23-25

Hello,

My name is Charlie, a dentist in Spokane. I was searching around the internet for missions in dentistry, etc., when I happened upon a link to your ministry. I had no intention on going to the site as I surveyed the list of links. I do not know you and there are many ministries out there. But for some reason, my eyes kept seeing your names and I was compelled to go there. And so I did.

I loved reading your blog and my heart was moved.

I saw your links to David Platt and I had never heard of him. But you said it was a “must-see” for Christians, so I took you up on that. Well, let’s make a long story short, our family has been having “video nights” using David’s series and they have impacted us in amazing ways.  Not an hour goes by without some kind of thought towards our richness and how we can use our resources for heaven and not for ourselves just as Christ showed us. You were right: they are life-changing and I could not be more excited for what God is doing.

So I want to thank you. You, who I do not know, yet used by God to direct our thoughts towards heaven.

David Platt has become kind of a “second” pastor to us and a regular on our podcast subscriptions. I’m especially moved to see my 19 year old downloading many of David’s sermons to his ipod and the other night he had friends in his room and when I dropped in, they were watching one of David’s sermons on Radical Christianity. This has been real powerful.

Tomorrow night we start the Faith Works series. I’m excited about that. We would love to get other families involved with us too as they would be great for a small group ministry.

God Bless you guys in all your ministry and I will always be grateful to you as

Your brother in the Lord,
Charlie

We are so thankful to the person who introduced us to David Platt’s teaching on one of the most important subjects in the Bible.  We can’t help but share what God has used in our lives.  For anyone who leads a small group, these are two excellent series. (Click on the images above for links to the two online video message series.) Frank has led a couple of groups through this. And we love going through it again ourselves. It is powerful, and truly is a “must-see”. It fits well into a 13-week group. If you have questions or ideas, comments or suggestions, please feel free to contact us! ~ Frank and Cindy

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:23-25

The Hole in Our Gospel, by Richard Stearns, President of World Vision (excerpts from pages 135-139):

I Was Thirsty…

“Water is life, and because we have no water, life is miserable”- a voice from Kenya

Most of you began this morning with a hot, clean shower.  You brushed your teeth, filled a glass with water, and took a few vitamins.  Perhaps you brewed a cup of coffee or drank a glass of juice with breakfast.  And each day you run your washing machines and dishwashers and take your toilets for granted.  You probably have one, two, or even three bathrooms in your home.  You may also have a sprinkler system to water your lawn and garden.  Your refrigerator is filled with cold drinks, bottled water, and maybe even ice-cold water dispensed from its door.  If you have children, they probably haven’t spent even one hour of their lives fetching water for the family to drink or to bathe with.  And I’ll wager that neither you nor your children have ever had a sick day due to unclean water–unless you have travel to another country and picked up one of many waterborne bacteria or parasites.

So now, I want you to imagine for a moment that when you wake up tomorrow, all of the water-related fixtures and appliances have been removed from your home.  The sinks, toilets, bathtubs, and showers are gone.  Dishwasher, washing machine, garden hoses, sprinklers–all gone.  Let’s say, though, that everything else about your house remains the same.  Still, how would your life change with  just this one difference?

Where I live, we are fortunate to have a wonderful lake just about two miles away, so if I knew I was going to be without water, I could begin to plan ahead to organize some water fetching.  On foot, it would take about two hours round-trip to go fetch water to use for drinking and some rudimentary bathing, but thirty gallons of water weighs about 250 pounds.  I checked my water bill and learned that my family uses about 300 gallons a day.  That would weigh more than a ton and would require 50 round-trips to the lake each day, so my family might have to reduce their water consumption a bit.  Reducing to 30 gallons would be a 90% reduction, but carrying 30 gallons of water two miles would still take about five or six trips a day, carrying 50 pounds each time, consuming about ten hours of hard labor.  If you think it’s inconvenient to go to the gym to work out every morning, try lugging 50 pounds of water back to your house so you can brush your teeth and have a sponge bath–then try making that trip five times.  Now, if you had to work this routine into your schedule every day and still get everyone off to work on school on time, you would have to begin your treks in the wee hours of the morning.  Washing your clothes and dishes, let alone your own body, would become an overwhelming task.

Women and children in developing countries invest 200,000,000 hours a day in fetching water.  That’s equal to a full-time workforce of 25,000,000 people fetching water eight hours a day, seven days a week.

A few years ago, I was traveling in West Africa.  We visited a village in Northern Ghana called Gbum Gbum (pronounced boom boom).  As we gathered around the borehole well that World Vision had drilled several years earlier right next to the school, the school’s headmaster told us that before the borehole he had just 40 students.  Now more than 400 children attended the school!  The difference?  Before the water came to Gbum Gbum, the women and children had to spend about five hours each day fetching water from a waterhole several kilometers away.  They would rise early, before dawn, making several trips throughout the day; they had no time or energy for school.  Another man told me that before the well, children and adults alike were riddled with Guinea worm disease (dracunculiasis) caused by parasitic nematodes found in contaminated water.  These worms grow inside the body, sometimes up to three feet in length, and then when full-grown, burrow out through the skin, causing crippling pain and infection.  Now the Guinea worms were gone.

As I continued our walk through the village, we met several dozen women working with great effort to make something called shea butter, an ingredient used in skin lotions and cosmetics, from a locally grown plant.  To my amazement, they were selling this shea butter for a profit.  In fact, I was told that it was even being bought by Bath and Body Works–in the U.S.!  The only thing these women had needed to create this business was time and clean water, both of which were now available.

In Africa, they don’t say that water is important to their lives; they say that water is life.  It is absolutely the foundation upon which civilization and human life is built, and the best news is that we have the knowledge and the technology to provide it.  All we lack is the will.