The accessibility we have to water is the biggest blessing! Something we probably overlook in the States. Women here go lengths to get fresh drinking water, typically carrying on their backs, consuming most of their mornings. One of the projects Hopethiopia focuses on is water distribution. Back when Hope was founded, they discovered the perfect spot on the property that provided clean drinking water; very rare in Africa. This well has provided water for people all over the village. One of our ministries is Water Distribution. Locals come bringing their donkeys and water jugs. For a few days, I had the privilege to help out with distribution. I got to help carry the very large ( probably 30-50 lb jugs ), load them onto donkeys, and play with the village children. My favorite part of the day was getting to know and talk to some of the locals. I learned lots of names and threw lots of children in the air. Doing whatever I could to show them Jesus’ love. Yes, I was helping them get fresh drinking water, but more importantly hoping to introduce them to the living water. In John 4, when Jesus meets the Samaritan woman at the well, He says “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” Jesus doesn’t disregard the woman because she’s not a Jew or because of her sin, rather He invites her into this beautiful, promised everlasting water that she can have. I’m not going to disregard the women here because we may not understand each others languages, or disregard the children because of the snot and dirt that covers their faces, rather invite them into the love of Jesus so that they may get a glimpse of His goodness and the living water He has for them.
Such a cool opportunity to serve the community and share the good news!
Next time you get water, remember the blessing it is to have it at your finger tips!
