During my travels in various countries of Africa, I one day shot this photo of a too frequent commonplace happening in many undeveloped areas of the world.
We have been very blessed for several years with our own 200 feet (45 meters) bore hole (well) of sparkling clean water. It recently became necessary to engage a well technician to again repair the water pipes. When I asked why it is necessary so often, the reply was because the water supply is so abundant, and the water pressure is so great.
So, the abundance of water surging from our well sometimes causes our pipes to overload. Here in Malawi, and in other developing countries as well, people are dying because of their lack of clean water and we have too much for our pipes to handle!
This immediately reminded me of the words of Ephesians 3:20 and 21 which read:
Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto Him be glory in the church by Jesus Christ throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. (KJV)
To give some context to all of this, I must now go back to my personal journal from the year 2016, during the month of September, when I wrote the following:
One day this week our deacons of the church, who are also board members of Noah’s Ark Orphan Care, and I were discussing our wonderful new Noah’s Ark Orphan Care well which had just recently been completed. We were rejoicing about the fact that the 200 foot (47 meter) well was giving an abundance of fresh, clean water.
(In explanation, Noah’s Ark Orphan Care is both a community and faith-based organization. It is the main outreach ministry of Christian Church International here in Blantyre, Malawi. Both organizations are fully registered in the United States and Malawi.)
In the conversation Fostino, our Office Manager of both organizations, said the lack of water situation would become much worse in the next couple of months, which would be the dry season just before the annual rains begin. He said that people would be really suffering because of the severe shortage.
So, I began to ask questions and make suggestions. ‘Why? We now have so much clean, fresh water! Can’t we just let people come and get it?’
In the continuing discussion the men wholeheartedly agreed and asked if we would charge for it – so much per pail as is common here. When I said that we would not, Fostino replied, ‘That would be a brand-new thing. That isn’t done here – people have to pay for water’.
Yes, a brand-new thing! Doesn’t God specialize in that?
I then asked them to read 2 Corinthians Chapter 5, verses 17,18, and also verse 20 with along with me, where we read:
If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation.
Verse 20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ………..
We often hear the words said, and read about sincere heart cries of, ‘I WANT TO BE LIKE JESUS.’
Isn’t that what a worthy Ambassador for Jesus is – one like Him?
Now, we know that of ourselves, in the flesh, we cannot be like Jesus. But we can and must, as His Ambassadors, daily die to sin and our selfishness – allowing Him to live out His life through us. As we do this, we have our individual ministries– in holiness and serving others – showing Him and His lifestyle. Yes, we do all have a ministry.
The decision was then made to keep the well open during all daylight hours to everyone and to add a nice cement slab with the typical iron sheet ceiling, for convenience in filling their containers.
Everyone drawing water does have one requirement. Before taking their own water for the day, they must fill one pail for the children of Noah’s Ark and take it there (just next door). They are doing that. The filling of the covered drums meets the daily water needs of our children, and those who are serving them. After that, they each are free to take as many containers of clean, fresh water as they need. At no charge.
As we have been giving clean fresh water to people for over three years now Jesus has been glorified. There has been amazement in the community because there is no charge for the water. This ‘ministry’ of giving water also opens doors to tell that He is the Water of Life and that He died so man can live through it. The Gospel of John, Chapter 4, verses 1 through 43 give a beautiful example of this.
As you can see from the enclosed photos, the ‘bore hole’ is a busy place and we are so very thankful to be able to represent Jesus Christ in this, another avenue of service.
Let’s joyfully be busy as Ambassadors for Christ in being led by Him to perhaps find ‘Brand New Things’ and ways to represent Him.
To Him be glory and honor forever and forever.
Ambassador Nancy 