A New Day Dawning

Dear Friends,

Last week, “happy tears” trickled down my face when I received the update and pictures of Middy, Esther and Lucy. Something marvelous had just happened to them . . . a water well had been drilled in their village that changed their lives. It was an act of love like nothing they had ever experienced. God had heard their prayers, and they felt like He had given them back their lives.

Before the well was drilled, the nearest source of water for these women was four miles away. Every morning they trekked eight miles round trip through the bush . . . four miles to the water source and four miles back. For the older and more vulnerable women in their village, it took them into the afternoon to return home, often stopping along the way to regain their strength. For even the strongest women, hauling nearly fifty pounds of water on their heads for hours in the scorching sun left them exhausted and depleted, yet this was necessary if they wanted to quench their thirst and cook that day.

Middy told us, “It was so hard. There were days we were sick or the rains were too much. On those days you didn't eat or drink. You just waited and knew 'tomorrow is coming,' hoping that someone in your family would be well enough to fetch water the next day.” Lucy added, “We didn't have enough hours in the day to make second trips to fetch water for bathing . . . it was just too far. So we dug holes to catch running rain water for bathing. We looked dirty and it felt so bad.”

We praise God for what He has done for Middy, Esther and Lucy . . . and for all the other people who live in their village. They now have a clean, healthy source of water that is just a short walk away from their homes. They can bathe, wash their clothes, cook and drink clean water as much as they want any time of the day. For all the women, they now wake up every morning feeling like a new day has dawned.

Esther told us, “God has been changing us with His Word. We received Bibles, and we have been becoming disciples of Jesus. He loves us so much and now He has given us water. Our village is full of happiness!"

All I can say is "Amen and Amen . . . Thank you Jesus!"

For His Glory!

Betty Jo

PS Please let me add . . . Thank you EWT Partners for providing the incredible gift of clean water and so many other blessings that shout the love of Jesus!