80 Million Gallons Distributed!

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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".