Getting water helps cool 100 degree weather

FROM FRIDAY MINISTRY~
Good evening to all, at least it is evening for me. I pray that all is well in Wooster.

Today we worked in a village called Mbiaki which is about a 2hr. drive from Bangui. We began the process of installing a water system in this village to remove high levels of iron in the water. There is no electricity in this village so we installed solar panels and batteries to provide power to operate a well pump which will provide the pressure needed to filter out the iron.

The equipment is housed in a small building which I referred to as our "African Sauna!" The temps were well over the 100 degree mark outside and hotter inside the building. We got most of the system installed but we will have to go back and finish it Sunday afternoon.

We were treated to lunch which included: antelope meat, gozo, fresh banannas, fresh bread, and coke.

One of the pictures I am sending is Bruce Imhoff with the guys from Pa.(John, Sonny, and Kevin). We have joined forces with these guys for our time here. We are working very well togther. Sonny and I worked in the hot building hooking up all the water and solar equipment.

Rick and Bruce worked on the brackets to mount the solar panels, Jim helped and also helped the well repair team clean the pump. John and Kevin interacted with the villagers as they watched us work.

The highlights of our day involved interacting with the people. Rick made all the kids day when he handed out a brand new soccer ball. The place went wild! You never know the impact of a simple soccer ball. The kids began to play right away with Rick and Jim playing with them. The kids continued playing for hours so excited to have this new ball.

Kevin shared a story with our team that he was listening to some women singing to another woman. He asked through the translator why they were doing this. They said the lady was their teacher and they were singing to thank her for teaching their class today. The teacher turned to Kevin and thanked our team for coming to their village to help them. She said the whole village depends on this water well that was drilled by ICDI, and they appreciate our efforts to improve the water quality because they have nothing to give us.

John, of the Pa. team shared that he had the opportunity to sit with one of the elders of the village and watch the work being done. They communicated using gestures to understand each other. John was able to share some water for him to drink because we were still working on the well. It was evident that the man had not had water for a while. It is awesome to see God using us in simple ways to share the love of Jesus.

We had a great impromtu devotional time tonight. Rick, Jim, Bruce, and myself spent some time reflecting on what we have experienced in just two days. Everyone shared how God was impacting our hearts by what we are experiencing. Our time here has not been without challenges, but we know God is working and it is exciting to see Him work.

Today we were missing one critical part that would have let us finish. We believe God has given us another chance to encourage this village by having to return with the needed part.

We were just getting ready to finish our team time and the other guys from Pa. came in to join us. We enjoyed great fellowship with these men. We learned more about how God has worked in their lives to bring them here. It was great to hear all of them share. Instead of two teams I believe God blended us into one team.

Thanks for your prayers!!

Tim Harley


Check out the earlier post arriving in Bangui and pictures.