Waterworks

The Heavens Declare....

2009-10-27T08:19:00.001-06:00

"God's glory is on tour in the skies, God-craft on exhibit across the horizon."
Psalm 19: 1 The Message

Here is the view out of my office window this morning. My inadequate photography skills and simple camera don't capture the majesty, but you get the idea. What an incredible and blessed start to this day!

Best Friends - Morning of Day Two

2009-10-14T07:50:00.000-06:00

Hmmmm.........

Best Friends - Day One

2009-10-13T19:46:00.002-06:00

(Click on photo to enlarge.) Today was our first day at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah and a meaningful day it was! The ranch is everything we expected it to be. The facility itself is outstanding. The dedicated staff is excellent! This place is an authentic sanctuary for all of these animals. It is the largest "no kill" sanctuary in the United States.

Our day was spent in orientation ensuring we understood the rules and boundaries for our behaviors. For good reason there is more concern about us than there is with the animals! We started our day with puppy socialization. Before Best Friends started this training 35% of adopted puppies were returned to the ranch. Now, they have had only one puppy returned in over three years! Wow! Next Joyce and I swept dog runs for a few hours. Next was more socialization time with a select group of dogs. Following lunch we participated in a training seminar.

We then picked a canine guest for a sleep over tonight! It appears to be working! Say Hello to a wonderful lab mix they named Synergy. Sounds like a "new age" metaphysical name don't you think. Should we decide to keep her, her name will instantly be changed to Faith or Hope. Why? She is ten years old and has been at Best Friends eight of those years without being adopted. That is both Faith and Hope! She is very sweet, well-mannered, and smart. We'll see what tomorrow brings.....

Best Burgers - And Rings!

2009-09-26T22:08:00.001-06:00

A block and a half from our one star hotel was this dive called Hodad's! This funky place is celebrating its 40th anniversary and continues to serve amazing, burgers, rings, and shakes! At 1:30 PM, the line to get in extended a full city block. Nobody was complaining. They all understood this was the price of entry. I ordered a double meat and cheese burger. Should have stayed with a single. Such sweet misery!

International Model A Day

2009-09-26T22:00:00.001-06:00

Joyce wanted to take a long walk on Harbor Island Drive this morning. It was a rare break and opportunity for us so we made the most of it. It was a beautiful morning and a great time to walk, talk, and take in the beautiful water and sights. All of a sudden I noticed a parade of restored Model A Fords passing us. There were over 50 of these beauties headed for the parking lot at the end of Harbor Drive. The whole group parked and took group photos of the owners and cars. What great fun to be in the right place at the right time. They were honking their oooga horns and strutting their stuff. They were mechanically and cosmetically perfect. What a hoot!

The One Star Hotel

2009-09-26T18:48:00.002-06:00

You have heard of five star hotels, but have you ever chosen to stay in a one star hotel. As we planned this trip to San Diego we decided to find an inexpensive place on the beach. It is one of those times when things look great on the website but weren't quite the same when we signed in! When we checked in and opened the door to our room it had not been cleaned. Thankfully no one was still in the room! The night manager was very nice, and gave us an "upgraded room" for the same low price. The upgrade was that we had a sliding door onto the main street of Ocean Beach. The space was tight, smelled musty, and the water was like we treat in developing countries. The noise from the street was loud. Should we stay or look for another place? We crashed for the night and decided to see how we felt in the morning.

The next morning the whole place begin to grow on us. The early morning surfers, the people of the street, the unique junk shops and the local crowd became our friends. We didn't fit with our age and non-surfing clothes, but no matter. Two days later we have become friends with the locals, have experienced great local food, and have a new love for the beach. While we didn't know we picked a one star hotel, we wouldn't hesitate to stay here again. Friday night and all day Saturday were worth the price of admission. What a hoot! We love this one star place!

First Snow

2009-09-21T13:37:00.000-06:00

Here it is Monday, September 21, 2009, and the leaves on the Aspen trees are just starting to turn their brilliant gold. Mother Nature has her ways of helping them along. As I pulled into my parking space early this morning, a herd of over twenty Elk were bugling nearby. It is this sweet but eerie sound like nothing else in the world. Shortly thereafter, the snow started to fall and is still falling lightly. Winter has announced its emminent arrival and has blessed us with an appetizer. Temperatures will be back in the high 70's and low 80's by Thursday, but Winter has let us know it is on its way.

An Amazing Life - Julia Klassen

2009-08-30T09:57:00.006-06:00

On Friday we celebrated the life and homecoming of my dear friend and mother-in-law, Julia Klassen. She was 89 going on 29. It was my privilege to preside at her commital. The following are excerpts from my comments:

"Because we love her so much and because she is such a huge part of our lives, there is sadness, loss, and grief over her passing. To say that we will miss her is to understate the size and legacy of her life. There will be a void in our lives from this point forward that no one else can fill. We will reach for her physically and she will not be there. We will speak her name and she will not answer. We will expect to hear her beautiful voice and spirit that have been silenced. All this will be hard.

The void will be partially filled by all the love she gave to each of us and the stories of her life that we will tell for years. This is as it should be.

This is a day of celebration from two perspectives. We were blessed to be loved and cared for by this amazing woman and her amazing life. Mom would not want to us to grieve for long. She would want us to celebrate and party in her honor. Let's not disappoint her.

Second, she is now safe in the arms of the Jesus she loves and serves. What a great day! She has no pain. She is free to dance like we know she can. She and her husband Elmer are reunited! They have some catching up to do, but there is no shortage of time. What a reunion! What great joy!"

I am blessed to have the world's best mother-in-law. While I miss her, I will see her again! Amazing!

Mapastepec - Anticipation

2009-08-21T07:17:00.002-06:00

What a great day! The 50,000 people in Mapastepec all know a great new solution for safe, affordable water has come to town! The Baptist church hosting the system continues to work tirelessly spreading the word to their community. They ran health and hygiene training classes for six hours! They conducted classes for everyone from adults to toddlers. The classes were full of excited and grateful people. These were best organized and most effective classes I have experienced to date. Well done!

When we arrived at the church we were told the three radio stations in town wanted to interview us. Mario Avendano, our National Director and I were hustled to all three stations. If you don't think that bringing water to a community like this is needed or appreciated, you should have been with us. It was exciting and great fun. At two of the interviews, people showed up at the radio stations to learn more.

Amazing! We are expecting record crowds and a major party at today's inauguration.

Mapastepec, Mexico

2009-08-19T16:05:00.005-06:00

This is a very exciting day! I am in the Mexico City Airport catching a flight to Tapachula later this evening. Tomorrow we will drive to the community of Mapastepec to visit our newest water system. On Friday we will inaugurate the system at the local Baptist Church in the center of the city. We are excited about this for several reasons. As you can see by the map, Mapastepec is about a four hour drive from our office in Tuxtla. Moving out of the city is a first for us. The other first is that we are installing this system with five satellite distribution points at nearby Compassion Projects. This is also a first! The Compassion children will receive free water and the surrounding communities can purchase water. We believe this expansion of our current model is replicable in similar communities in all three countries. I can't wait to share more of this story with you in the next couple of days as we hit the streets big time in Mapastepec.

80 Million Gallons Distributed!

2009-08-19T15:23:00.002-06:00

Wow! HWI hits another significant milestone. One day in late July, as thousands of people across three countries were purchasing our water, we hit 80 million gallons! What a great achievement!

We congratulate our Church Partners who serve their customers in such a meaningful way every day that they come back day after day.

Roughly right, this translates to over 31,500 gallons per day over 6.5 years! We give God all praise for how he continues to bless the work of this, His ministry.

We are counting the days until we hit 100 million gallons! There will be a countdown and a celebration when we achieve that milestone. Thanks to all of you who make this minstry possible! We appreciate you!

Paul Skiles - A Giant of Faith and More

2009-08-02T16:27:00.001-06:00

For over two years, it has been on my heart to visit the most influential person of my spiritual life and journey. On Friday, July 31, I was able to achieve this goal. Here you see Paul Skiles with his beautiful wife Maxine. Their daughter Paula took this photo. While I am physically taller than Paul, there is no way I can measure up to his stature as a leader and a man of faith. The integrity and consistency of his obedience and faithfulness are unmatched.

Paul Skiles gave himself and his talents and gifts unconditionally to all of us who were teenagers in the mid-1950's in the Northern California District of the Church of the Nazarene. He was an amazing musician, trombone player, arranger, and leader of the best youth choir that ever was. That is a fact! Because of Paul, we were all part of something so special and meaningful that we can never forget it. Over 50 years later we would all do it over and over again. Further, he was an incredible athlete and softball player. He is also an incredible husband and father. Most important, he loved us unconditionally and gave us everything he had for many years. As many know, he went on to accomplish many great things.

We had the privilege of visiting together for a couple of hours. It was such great fun and blessing. Tons of stories, experiences, laughs, and memories. What a privilege! Most important, I had the privilege of sharing with Paul his influence on my life and how much his prayers and love contributed to my spiritual life and development. What a great time we had! I hope to have more times like this with Paul and his family in the days ahead. But if that can't happen, I will treasure this experience forever. Thank you my friend for who you have always been to me. I am so grateful for you!

My Amazing Wife and Marcus

2009-08-02T15:44:00.003-06:00

My wife Joyce is amazing in so many ways! In June she completed the Avon Breast Cancer Walk of 26 miles. Many of you made this possible for her. Two weeks ago, she was with me in Mexico for our National Conference shown here with her friend Nahun, manager of our water system in Jiqipilas. They are Buds! But most important there is Marcus.

Over nine years ago Joyce entered into a mentoring relationship Crystal, Marcus's mother. Crystal is a troubled lady who has brought crises on herself throughout these years, including giving birth two sons out of wedlock. Joyce has stood by her through it all, supporting her and providing guidance while being a friend. Crystal has made many promises to her two sons which she has never kept. The boys are now in the custody of their grandfather in Colorado, while their mom is in Kentucky. One of those promises was that Marcus could go to Elitch Gardens on his eighth birthday. Joyce was determined that this young man would not suffer another in the long line of disappointments and failures of his mother. Joyce kept the mother's promise and spent yesterday taking Marcus on the rides and buying him souvenirs at the amusement park. She also had a birthday cake made with this name on it. This smart, good-looking young dude was blown away. He will never forget what Amazing Joyce has done for him. Honey, I am so proud of you for this act of love and generosity. You are "simply the best"! Wow!

Street Dogs

2009-07-30T06:13:00.002-06:00

I've never met a dog I didn't like. I have met many that didn't like me -usually Chihuahas. When we go to countries, I take constant grief over the fact that I befriend all dogs - Dirty, diseased, friendly, unfriendly, lost, and found. Most street dogs are unsocialized and not approachable. Others are reasonably social but have never been petted, scratched, loved, or cared for. Sad - very sad.

Last week we were in Chiapas, Mexico and toured a drug and rehab facility led and managed by one of our church partners. I found Chico the pit bull chained to this shed. The comments from my comprades were, "Ed, be careful." Chico had a sweet friendly face. We made eye contact and he seemed cool. Every step I took toward him his tail wagged harder. Hmmm...friend or foe? Still approaching I whispered sweet nothings along the way. Slowly I extended my hand to Chico. He responded with a huge lick. Next he was up on my arm soaking up the love and craving more. "Love me, love me, love me" he begged. Yes, I let him lick my face. This big guy keeps order around the rehab center. He does his job very well. But like alot of us, inside he is a marshmellow. I wouldn't have missed this relationship for anything. Chico and I have a thing goin' on!

Mexico National Conference

2009-07-23T06:31:00.000-06:00

This great group of men, excluding the Gringo, produced another outstanding National Conference here in Tuxtla. From left to right: Alberto Barrita, Sebastian Ovando, Mario Avendano, and Gabriel Valdiviezo. A key member of the team Althea Sidaway is missing from this photo.

The phrase, "You had to be there." fits describing this event. There were great presentations and testimonies. As always, there was unity in the room. One hundred percent of exisiting systems attended and particpated along several pen!ding Church Partners. Our donors and guests were excited by what they experienced. Congratulations to Mario and his incredible Mexico team

Anticipation!

2009-07-21T07:15:00.000-06:00

We pulled into our hotel after a long day of travel to Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas, Mexico. It was very hot, we were tired, ready to unpack, cool down, and rest. As we entered the parking lot we were greeted by this huge banner announcing our conference. The banner faces the main street of Tuxtla and makes a huge impression.

Instantly I forgot about the heat and fatigue and was very energized. How exciting! The Second National Conference ADU Mexico! My heart rate accelerated and my eyes filled with tears remembering God's annointing of the 2008 conference and anticipating what will take place tomorrow.

In the center of the banner you see the words Fisica, Social, and Espiritual highlighting the transformation our Church Partners provide their communities each day. Physical, social, and spritual transformation that is achieved by providing safe, affordable, water where it is needed most!

Tomorrow over 125 people from our churches come together for six hours of celebration, learning, and rejevenation for this ministry. I'm pumped. There will be hundreds of hugs and handshakes. God will be celebrated and honored by these incredible people. WOW!

Because of this banner the people of Tuxtla know that ADU is in the house! "To God be the Glory!"

Guerrillas of Grace

2009-07-03T12:36:00.006-06:00

I love this concept and book of prayers brought to us in 1984 by Ted Yoder. This post is comprised of direct quotes from this book.

"The Old Testament prophets can easily be conceived as guerrillas doing battle with the established powers of their day. Jesus was the pre-eminent guerilla of grace: he confronted repressive institututions and liberated captive minds and hearts with his words and his life. The early Christians rallied to Paul's battle cry: "We are not contending against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness..."

There are some characteristics of guerillas that give particular relevance to the use of that image to desribe Christians.

By any of our usual measures, guerrillas are a weaker force set against a superior, more organized power, a power which exerts both subtle and blatant pressures to conform. Guerillas are engaged in the battle to regain some territory, or some part of life, for a higher purpose, a truer cause. Doesn't "guerrilla" desribe the contemporary church in many developing countries?

It is also important to note that guerrillas usually work in groups. The point is that both grace and guerrilla are relational terms.

Guerrillas are never quite so desperate as they are confident. They believe they are fighting on the winning side, in spite of any and all appearances to the contrary.

Guerrillas are willing to give their lives, if necessary, because they believe the cause for which they struggle, and which struggles in them, will finally prevail. "

I want to be a "Guerrilla of Grace".

Spiritual Warfare

2009-06-30T16:41:00.007-06:00

This request for prayer was sent to our staff and Board of Directors moments ago. We now invite all of you to join us in this effort.

As many of you know we continue to experience continual attacks on this ministry by the Ministry of Health in the Dominican Republic. Recently the MOH shut down ten of our systems and they remain closed today. This has been a difficult dynamic to manage and resolve. The irrationality, unreasonable demands, and inconsistent requirements of the MOH power structure add complexity to the situation. They wreak havoc for our Church Partners, our staff, and most concerning, for our National Director, Juan Jose Gomez. Let there be no doubt that is an ongoing attack of the Evil One on this ministry in this country.

Moments ago I spoke with JJ Gomez regarding a proposal and action plan he will present to the Ministry of Health tomorrow morning. Tomorrow JJ will:

Address all identified issues - real and imagined.

Attempt to get many systems reopened and serving their communities.

Attempt to gain agreement and commitment on the qualification of future systems.

We need a large volume of effectual, fervent prayer from now through noon tomorrow that

The Evil One would be defeated.

JJ would experience the power and presence of the Holy Spirit and our prayers.

The heads and hearts of MOH officials would be opened and reasonable.

Resolution of issues would be achieved.

Agreement can be reached on the requirements for future systems.

We know our God is able and that prayer is the powerful weapon in spiritual warfare. Please join us now in fighting this important battle. Thank you for helping us fight the good fight of faith!

Team Gloria

2009-06-29T08:50:00.001-06:00

This weekend a long awaited goal was achieved! Team Gloria, comprised of:

Casey Biggers, my niece
Cheryl Page, my daughter
Ruth Ann Moore, my sister-in-law, and
Joyce Anderson, MY FANTASTIC WIFE,

achieved a long-awaited goal! After months of training and fund-raising they completed the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in the Rocky Mountains. They called themselves "Team Gloria" honoring my sister-in-law, Gloria Harris, who is a breast cancer survivor. She also happens to be Joyce and Ruth Ann's younger sister. Casey and Cheryl walked 39 miles in the two days. Ruth Ann and Joyce walked 26 miles. Fantastic! We are totally proud of each of you for who you are and what you have accomplished.

This was such a beautiful and meaningful event plus a great time for our family to honor Gloria. There were lots of laughs, lots of blisters and sore muscles, and lots of tears of joy and love! As a result, it looks as though they will do it again in 2010 adding more family members! We will be there to cheer them on!

Transformation - Father's Day 2009

2009-06-21T08:20:00.002-06:00

At Healing Waters we are passionate about physical, social, and spiritual transformation for the people and communities we serve. On this Father's Day 2009, it seems appropriate to share a transformation story of a different sort. What people often forget is that transformation is not an instantaneous result. It requires patience, perseverance, purpose, and passion.

My friend Ron Worthington understands what is required for authentic transformation. Ron rescued this 1949 Farmall Cub tractor from his Dad's place. It had been used by both his Dad and Grandad for many years. Ron had many pleasant memories being raised with this tractor and his dad teaching him to use it. It seemed a shame to see it in such poor condition. The transformation process began in 2007 and was just completed. This was a labor of love. Ron would tell you it was worth it all and that the thoughts and memories that were part of the process will last forever. This beauty has new life and will be part of this family for many generations to come.

Our labor of love is to bring about transformation of even greater magnitude to the people and communities we serve. We provide the means, God takes care of the transformation. What a privilege! What a legacy!

Jaydn Mann - Rock Star!

2009-06-17T07:28:00.009-06:00

Jaydn Mann celebrated birthday number six in February, 2009. After Christmas, 2008, she remarked to her mom, "Wow, we got so many toys for Christmas maybe we should give money to those kids who don't have clean water instead of getting more presents for my birthday."

Lisa Mann was blown away by the size of her daughters heart and agreed this was a great idea. There were several fund raising activities in suceeding weeks culminating in a big birthday bash. The kids were all asked to bring donations for water, not gifts. They taught the kids the Chicken Dance, YMCA, Limbo Rock, and other wedding reception classics. These kids are now looking forward to going to wedding receptions! The party was a blast and a huge success.

A short time later, our phone rang at the office. It was the parents, Michael and Lisa Mann, asking if they could stop by so Jaydn could personally present the money she had raised. Soon the whole family walked into my office and Jaydn presented me with $500.00 cash! I then had the privilege of telling Jaydn that her heart and her gift had provided water for ten children for life! What a great moment to share with this great lady and her family! We were truly blessed!

"And a little child shall lead them." Isaiah 11:6

Twitter Name

2009-05-28T16:16:00.001-06:00

If you want to follow on Twitter, here is my Twitter name: @ehahwi

Steve Harvey - Comedian

2009-05-28T15:49:00.000-06:00

Enjoy!

Johanna - Part I

2009-05-26T19:28:00.002-06:00

Johanna is one of Josphina's six children that we featured on our May 3 Post. We hung out together on free water day at Las Palmas and became friends. A special bond was established between us on this day. My heart hurt because I doubted I would ever see her again.

Johanna - Part II

2009-05-26T19:09:00.001-06:00

On May 19 we were back in Las Palmas and decided to take our guests to Josephina's shack even though she was not there. We also knew the children were probably in school. As we approached the house, guess who came running with arms outstretched? Yes, those are tears of joy! Johanna and I hugged and hugged! What a privilege! What a blessing!

Empowering the Church

2009-05-15T17:03:00.002-06:00

Often I am quizzed about the challenges of working with churches in developing countries. Most people see the potential problems but lose sight of the blessing.

Recently we received three letters from church partners in Chiapas, Mexico letting us know how much they value their water system. Here is one of them:

Iglesia Del Nazareno "Adonai" A.R.
Potinaspak
Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas, Mexico

Healing Waters International
Denver, Colorado, USA

Affectionate Greetings to All:

The Comite de Enlace of ADU system #5 in Tuxtla Guitierrez, Chiapas, is conscious of your good social work in our community; reflecting specifically on the economic, physical and social impact of the water system. Your help is very laudable and praiseworthy, of this we are sure.

From the percentage of net revenue that has stayed with the church to help the greater community, we use 100% of that each month: to buy medicine, to buy shoes for children in single family homes, to help run a medical dispensary for senior citizens and sick people, to provide materials to help build simple houses, to pay for funerals for poor people, to buy food for street children and for other projects.

We are very appreciative to the sponsors/donors of the water system. Their investment and donation is being very well used. We will continue praying for you so that God rewards you richly.

With much gratitude and love,
The Comite de Enlace
Pbro. Eustacio Gonzalez Ramirez

DR Trip - May 14 - 20, 2009

2009-05-15T07:10:00.003-06:00

We arrived safely in the Dominican Republic late last night. We are looking forward to great week with our guests, our HWI staff, and our ministry partners.

Wheelbarrow Man - Los Ramirez

2009-05-10T17:42:00.002-06:00

Click on photos to enlarge.

Lugging bottles of water that weigh forty pounds up and down the canyon of Los Ramirez is extemely difficult for the thousands of women and children who live in the shacks of this community.

Enter Jose, a homeless, unemployed man that views delivering water as a business oppoortunity. He attends Pastor Mary's church and became very excited when the new Healing Waters system was installed. He scavenged this wheel barrow with a wobbly front wheel and asked Pastor Mary if he could help others and himself by delivering water. Pastor Mary said "Go for it, Jose!" Jose loads six - count them- bottles of water into his wheel barrow and literally runs up and down the canyon delivering water. This is 240 pounds of water in each load! The day we visited the system and met Jose, he had all ready made ten trips and had delivered 60 bottles! He gets $.15 U.S. for each bottle. That is $9.00 for the day! Jose has zero body fat supported by a strong heart and physique! He loves his job, has a great smile, and is an icon in the community. Is this physical and social transformation? What do you think? In addition, Jose is at the church every morning when the system opens. Who knows what spiritual transformation may take place hanging out at the church! I love this job!

Compassion International Blog Post

2009-05-06T09:43:00.002-06:00

Believe me when I say there is no connection with our post on May 4, 2009, regarding our partnership with Compassion International and the attached link to the Compassion post of May 6, 2009. This is just God at work! We encourage you to visit this link and read this compelling story.

This story also validates the value and impact of authentic ministry partnerships. As you review the Compassion post, we hope it is blatantly obvious how physical, social, and spiritual transformation is being achieved.

We are so grateful to be partners in ministry with Pastor Ventura Taylor, Comunidad Cristiana El Santuario Iglesia de Dios Pentecostal church, and Compassion International.

Compassion International Partnership

2009-05-04T16:13:00.002-06:00

Our partnership with Compassion International has been an enormous blessing and enabler for our work at HWI. For some time we have been working on ways that we can give back a portion of the value that CI has provided us. Here's the deal....

Our two newest systems in the Dominican Republic are located at churches with Compassion projects. Photo #1 is of the recent inauguration of Villas Agricolas. This church has a Compassion project that regularly serves 200 children.

The second is Las Palmas, the system featured in recent posts in this blog. This is either the largest, or one of the largest Compassion projects in the Dominican Republic regularly serving 300 children. Photo #2 is of two Compassion kids holding a very special water bottle. This two litre container is given to every Compassion child at these two projects. Free water is provided to each child in this bottle for as long as they participate in the project.

Bottom line, 500 Compassion children are now receiving free water! We hope this proves to be an opportunity that can be provided to many other Compassion projects moving forward. Our hope and prayer is that this strategy provides incremental value to these children and these projects. We also want to thank the donors that made these systems and this strategy a reality.

To all our friends at Compassion International we want to say thank you for all you have done and continue to do for Healing Waters International. We hope this strategy further enables your commitment to "Releasing children from poverty in Jesus' name".

Lunch with Josephina

2009-05-03T11:20:00.003-06:00

Lunch with one of our church partner families is always memorable. People who have little give their very best. Such was the case at Josephina's. Because of the danger in her drug-infested neighborhood, our church leaders spread the word that guests were coming for lunch.

Josephina is a single mom with six children. She is the small woman on the left in the photo with two of her children. This is a one-room house about five feet wide by eight feet long. Yes, there are seven people living in this space. There is one light bulb and no running water. Their clothes hang from the ceiling. We sat outside for lunch. Josphina provided a beautiful Dominican meal of chicken, Morro (Rice and beans), and fried plantains. Everything was delicious. The house was spotless with happy polite children nurtured by their incredible mom. We were deeply touched by their gracious and generous hospitality. You would have been touched as well.

Free Water Day

2009-05-03T10:04:00.001-06:00

On this free water day we gave away 325 botellons in four hours - a new record! What a privilege! What a blessing! The lines were three blocks long for the first two hours. Despite hard rains everyone hung in. This was a fantastic response concluding three days of inauguration activities. This is a great beggining for the Hebrews 11 church and the Las Palmas community!

Ribbon Cutting - Inauguration Event

2009-05-03T07:43:00.003-06:00

The party continues! We move to the street for the ribbon cutting. The pastor and the donors cut the ribbon! There are cheers, tears, and applause from the street. The first botellon is presented to a needy family in the community. More cheers, tears and applause. The water flows. Hugs for everyone! What a party!

More Water Carriers

2009-05-02T16:03:00.001-06:00

Water Carriers

2009-05-02T15:48:00.004-06:00

There is no end to the creativity or commitment when it comes to carrying water. We see it all: Mopeds, wheelbarrows, infant strollers, hand trucks, and those who heft the forty pound bottle onto their head or shoulders. This is an indication of how much they value the water. They will do whatever it takes to get the water home. In many cases today delivery is available for a few extra pesos.

Dominican Downpour

2009-05-02T15:26:00.001-06:00

You never know when you might get dumped on! There were several downpours on this afternoon. Everyone takes it in stride. Few if any gave up their places in line because of the rain. Getting drinking water is a higher priority.

Inauguration Event

2009-05-02T15:14:00.005-06:00

The inauguration event marks the official opening of the water system. Months of hard work by the HWI staff and the church partner culminate in this event. It is a time of worship and thanksgiving that lools back and looks forward. There is music, dancing, and prayer. National Director, Juan Jose Gomez challenges the church to serve their community every day. Pastor Julio Cesar Pena recognizes the donors, thanks Healing Waters, and challenges his leaders and people to make the most of this opportunity. It is during this time that you begin to see the physical, social, and spritual transformation that God will bring through the water system and the church partner. What a privilege it is to empower the church with this opportunity!

Health Talk and Botellon Raffle

2009-05-02T14:50:00.004-06:00

The health talk and raffle kick off inauguration day. A physician, known to the community, talks to the people about water-related diseases and how they can be prevented through disciplined hygiene and keeping their bottle clean. The lady doctor shown here did an outstanding job educating the crowd. This is an important first step in promoting the water system. Next comes the raffle. Raffle tickets have been distributed throughout the church community. Following the health talk tickets are drawn and awarded. If you don't think water is precious to these people, you should experience the excitement when they win a sparkling new botellon. This is great fun. The difficult part is that not everyone wins. We would love to give everyone a new bottle for a new start.

Water Promotion Day

2009-05-02T14:39:00.002-06:00

Water Promotion Day kicks off three days of inauguration activities. Teams of people from the church and HWI fill and hand label over 2000 sample bottles to be given away. Our local staff trains and equips the people with a talk track, leaflets, and coupons for a free fill up on Free Water Day. We then split into small teams and blitz the community. It is not uncommon for the neighborhoods to be somewhat skeptical initially. Once they receive the free water, understand the price, and the fact that the system is within walking distance of their home, they become receptive and excited. It is hard, sweaty work, but so very rewarding. The payoff is two days later when we see the people come for Free Water Day. What an opportunity! What a blessing!

Las Palmas Inauguration

2009-05-02T14:37:00.002-06:00

We were privileged to particpate in the inauguration of our newest water system in the Dominican Republic on April 24 - April 26. It was such a great celebration! We thought you might appreciate walking through the experience with us. The next several posts, though slightly out of order, highlight the various activities. On day one we start with Water Promotion Day. On the morning of day two we have the Health Talk and Bottelon Raffle. That evening we have the inauguration event and ribbon cutting. Day three is Free Water Day. From beginning to end it is an incredible blessing and celebration. We hope you get to attend one!

Arianna - One Day Young

2009-04-30T17:19:00.003-06:00

This afternoon we had the privilege and blessing of spending about an hour with Liz, Jon, and the beautiful Arianna. What a privilege to hold this beautiful lady in the first 24 hours of her life. Wow! Tears of joy! I love this job!

Welcome to the World - Arianna Alice Reberry!

2009-04-30T08:58:00.003-06:00

Congratulations to Jon and Liz Reberry on the birth of their first baby! As many of you know, Liz Reberry is Director of Commiunications for HWI. Liz does so many great things for all of you and for us. Not unexpectedly, Liz worked up until the day the baby was born.

Here is the important information:
Name: Arianna Alice Reberry - Jon and Liz will call her Aria
Born: April 29th at 4:56 PM
Weight: 6 pounds, 2.4 ounces
Length: 19 3/4 inches

Mom, Dad, and Aria are all doing well. Soon there will be photos on www.reberry.net

It is also noteworthy that this is the first baby to be born into the Healing Waters Family. We are confident that Aria is the first of many to come!

Welcome!

2009-04-21T20:51:00.006-06:00

Of the hundreds of photos taken over the past few years, I keep returning to these two. For me they capture the essence of the work of Healing Waters International. The first photo shows the authentic bonds of friendship that exist in the poor communities. Children locked arm in arm with smiling faces, enjoying each other even though their feet are bare and their wardrobe is on their back. The second photo shows the daily drill of fetching water from a contaminated source in dirty buckets. This is one of several trips each day. What we do at HWI starts right here right now. Providing safe, clean, affordable water every day reduces and eliminates water-related disease for these children and their families.As they come to the church for their water, the opportunities for physical, social, and spiritual healing and transformation begin. Even though we have distributed over 75 million gallons to 115,000 people we have just begun to serve and to meet the need.