AUGUST 23, 2024 - AMY HECKMAN
In Malawi, new water wells, a key component of WASH (Water, Sanitation, Hygiene) compassionate ministry projects, are revitalizing communities and inspiring hope among congregations and their leaders.
Pastor Singano of Liwonde Church of the Nazarene expressed his joy when the church’s well became operational: 'I am thrilled to see that our church now has access to safe water,' he said. 'Our prayers have finally been answered!'
For many decades, people near Pastor Singano’s church struggled to access clean water. Sickness from contamination was common. Tragically, one woman even suffered a miscarriage due to an illness contracted from the contaminated water supply.
“As a community, we didn’t know that bad water can lead to miscarriage,” Pastor Singano explained.
The renewed health experienced in his community is helping to magnify the message he strives to always preach—that of Christ’s gift of help and hope in this world and the world to come.
“Thank you again for the water!” he exclaimed.
Pastor Marcel came to Malawi as a refugee from Rwanda. Once a resident of a refugee camp, his calling to ministry brought him to a Malawian village to live among a poverty-stricken community and provide care for their spiritual needs.
“I know being a refugee, we also have our problems,” Pastor Marcel shared. “But, when I came to this community, and see how people are struggling to have access to water, I felt bad for them knowing all people, especially women and children, need safe water to maintain their dignity.”
Recently, Pastor Marcel has been fighting for the chance to stay and serve this community, despite government pressure to return to his former refugee camp. The drilling of a well has done more than provide improved health to his neighbors. Now, it’s changed how they view his presence among them.
“I started praying for this community, and see how people are struggling to have access to water ... the coming of water has cemented my relationship with the community,” said Pastor Marcel. “I am thankful to God that the opportunity to minister to this community is still open.”