As many of you may recall, I had a birthday party nearly two years ago that sponsored a garden being planted in Phakane, South Africa, where I went with a team that previous year (and the following year) to minister. We've learned a lot about the community there since then, and some have been difficult lessons. First, it's helpful for you to know that the seasons in South Africa are opposite ours. So while we are in summer, they are in winter. Initially, one of the biggest challenges was getting the community buy-in as far as taking care of the garden and their level of engagement. After some time of this and under Pastors Alfie and Muzi's wisdom and guidance, the garden was dug up, the community's buy in obtained, and then replanted. The garden does many things for the area. Primarily, it's a great tool for the church to use to practically minister to the women and children that come to the property during the day. The children play games and hang out with Pastor Muzi. The last number I received the garden (and supplemental grain) was feeding approximately 120 people a day. An awesome ministry!! Also, it provides nourishment to the church family for Sunday's Soup kitchen, held after church.
The more recent need has become the need for a consistent water source. Currently there is no running water on the church property and to my understanding only very limited places in the entire village. There is a well in the town, but is heavily controlled by government and can be turned off at will if the water supply is too short. It is "free" water, but the locals have no voice on the matter. The town has about 2-3 days on average of access to the water. Thus, leaving little extra water for watering a garden.
My goal for the last year has been to sponsor a well there on the church property. This way, they would have access to clean, consistent water and it would be completely controlled by them. At first I reached out to every water and well non-profit organization I could possibly Google. When I kept hitting road block after road block I took a step back. I re-read my favorite book "Love Does" by Bob Goff. Inspired by his example I googled national leaders, every the South African president and prime ministers and I actually got responses!!! Many of them responded and even offered to help. I was very encouraged and when I passed this information on to Pastor Alfie he responded, "wow! And the righteous are bold as a lion!" (More on this part to come). However, practically he did not feel it would work. They did not trust government and did not want their controlling the well. Understandably, but again I felt discouraged at achieving this God inspired goal. One night after I put my children to bed I picked up my phone and dialed Bob Goff's cell phone number. If you haven't read it SPOILER ALERT his cell phone number is printed in the back of his book. He answered the phone that night and what followed were some of the most encouraging few moments of the whole process. He has spent much time in Africa and his succinct recommendation was that the well had to be done by someone local. It was the only way. Reluctantly I agreed. Reluctant because I knew just how difficult that would be for me all the way across the world with no immediate plans to return to South Africa.
I emailed my local contact again and he agreed. Local was best. Within a few weeks we had an estimate from a local bore hole driller (as they call it) and I was overwhelmed. I cried because it felt possible. It was totally doable. For roughly $5,000 the church property could have access to clean water every day and access to countless souls that need the Gospel.
Over the next few weeks/months (or however long it takes) myself and others will be fundraising for this cause. I hope that we have been able to inspire you to this vision. Be praying, I am considering creating an official non-profit organization centered on this cause. Pray that doors would open and the money would come. Pray that they can tap water! In the words of Pastor Alfie, "Jesus is Lord and Africa shall be saved."
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