Preaching the Gospel with Water: New Project in Ethiopia!
Photo Credit: "In Gambella" (CC BY 2.0) by ajleon
“This water is part of preaching the gospel, preaching the love of Christ.”
- The Rev. Jeremiah Maet Paul, Archdeacon of the Diocese of Gambella.
Clean Water in Gambella, Ethiopia
Women from an Ethiopian village are able to draw clean water from a well for their families.
Gambella, in Western Ethiopia, is one of the oldest towns in the country, and also one of the most cut-off and desolate places in Ethiopia. Most families work in agriculture or cattle rearing, and are dependent on local water sources for their livelihoods. While water is available in rivers and groundwater sources, contamination has led to a prevalence of water-borne illness that often prove fatal, especially for children. Mary, a resident of Gambella, shared that “I have been suffering from stomach pain due to the infection I got from drinking unsafe water.”
The Anglican Church in Gambella is committed to bringing life-giving water to the region through a new deep borewell located on the grounds of Good Shepherd Cathedral. The well will provide safe water for thousands, opening new opportunities for the diocese to offer training in hygiene and sanitation and support livelihoods. This gives the Church a clear testimony of the good news of Christ who offers the living water of the Gospel - and the church is growing! Our partner Archdeacon Jeremiah reports that a revival is sweeping the community and many young people are coming to faith. Archdeacon Jeremiah explains how “This water is part of preaching the gospel, preaching the love of Christ.”
The diocese is excited to offer this water to everyone - regardless of faith or tribe - showing people that the love of Christ extends to everyone. They hope this borewell is one of many which will be a long-term source of peace-building in a region where water scarcity has led to conflict. The clean water provided through this project will enable the Church to be a source of both spiritual and physical health for the region.
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