Saturday July 28
We took a walk today to a hillside spring and saw a creative way of getting the people better water.
The missionaries knew that if they could help the people to get clean water for cooking and drinking that it would be a significant thing. But how could they do so knowing that the people tend to use the same water for everything (bathing, washing clothes, drinking)? One the natural resources in the Tandala area are springs. The missionaries figured out that if they cut the hill back about fifteen feet, filled the area with gravel and then built a concrete/rock wall to act like a dam, they could create a usable water source. Using PVC pipe like a spigot, the water can be captured in a pot or bucket for drinking separate from what is used for cleaning. (You can see the water flow in the middle of the picture I’ve posted). Maintenance is not in issue and the people get consistently better water. It is simple, effective and brilliant!
In the late afternoon a Pastor and his wife arrived by bicycle from Gemena on their way home from the pastor’s conference (75 km covered with about 200 km yet to go roughly 200 miles) They asked for prayer because he has been assigned to the Bible Institute way up north and they need to be out of their home by the 19th of August. But to move their household and kids they need to rent a truck and even though a friend has one, it will cost about $300. Tom knows the couple well and told us this was a legitimate need. So we decided to pass the hat and came up with $270. They were greatly encouraged and I think it will make the 130 mile bicycle ride a little easier.
Then it was off to English Club at Dr. Zach’s with Mifila, Bofio, Narcis and chaplain Bell. Each of these men are doing pretty well with their English, although it’s difficult for them to improve without practice. So when we showed up they were quite excited to practice on us and, in fact, they did well. The laughter during the night was a wonderful contrast to the needs we see daily. Thank God for laughter!
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