Leslie and I would like to update you with the work that has been accomplished in Africa. First, in January (2008) we came on board to partnership with Living Water International in various east African countries. Living Water International ( www.water.cc) is focused on one goal—reaching the world for Christ by giving the gift of clean water. I (CW) will help LWI on the ground with various drilling issues and training native people to drill. Leslie will focus on Health & Hygiene Training in remote villages in Africa. We arrived in Kigali, Rwanda in March and were a part of the day to day operations until September. Leslie and I were able to assist the local drilling crew with various training as well as being a host to several mission teams. In addition, we were able to complete quite a few Health & Hygiene trainings during our time in Rwanda, some of which had anywhere from 250-450 people in attendance. The villages that we are working with are quite far from the capital city of Kigali. The people of Rwanda are very receptive and are eager to learn how to drastically improve their lives through the simple techniques that are taught at each class. Most importantly, we are able to present the Gospel message which is intermingled into the lessons. Leslie and I have made many friends in Rwanda (a few of whom are from the States) and look forward to working there in 2009. We have added a few pictures, from Rwanda, into our picture gallery. Thanks and may God bless each of you. Update: Zambia
In addition to working in Rwanda, Leslie and I were in Zambia from September to the end of November. There are many people who have followed the Zambia saga since the beginning in 2006 and today we can say the work in Zambia has begun- Praise the Lord. In the last several years we have had issues with permits, truck shipments to Africa, and customs clearance. It now seems we are past many of these issues and are settling in to what the Lord called us there to do and that is to reach people with clean water and the Word.
In the few months we were in Zambia we drilled a few wells and repaired quite a few hand pumps. Leslie trained a group of 9 native Zambians so they in turn can teach Health & Hygiene in the villages. Leslie also taught Health & Hygiene in 3 villages. This is such a powerful tool to not only teach hygiene but also to incorporate the Gospel message.
We were able to secure our mission compound in Zambia by erecting a fence around about 1/3 of its boundaries. In the future we hope to secure the remaining boundaries at the mission compound but for now we could only afford to enclose one section.
At the moment we are still without electricity at the compound but we are hopeful for it to come in early 2009.
In closing, thank you and it is through your support which in turn enables us to reach the people with water and the Word. God bless.
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