Eyes Will Open, Children Will Drink

Then God opened her eyes and she saw a well of water.

 So, she filled the skin with water and gave the boy a drink.

Genesis 21:19

Last November we hosted the first Conference Mission Trip to South Africa. The time spent with Blessman International was packed with opportunity. Folks across our Conference from Iowa to Montana experienced and participated in ministries of mercy: feeding children and distributing food to outreach stations, caring for orphan infants, working in eye clinics, and empowering young women in hygiene so that there is consistent school attendance.

One ministry in which the Mission team participated was the drilling of a water well at a nursery school and the instillation of an irrigation system for the school’s garden. Having a reliable source of water and the extension of food security allows the nursery school to increase the number of children and by extension their families.

 

When the drill hit the vein and the cataract of water shot into the air the whole school erupted in celebration. My mind went to the story of Hagar and Ishmael’s expulsion from Abraham’s family.

When Abraham sent his son away, he provided enough water for the start of the journey but not enough for survival. When the water was gone and the days stretched with heat, Hagar set her son aside and cried out to the Lord. God heard the cry and provided a well of water.

I wondered how many South African parents have cried out to God. Opening the eyes of those parents God showed them a well providing for their children. The means of the miracle is us. The Missions Team of our Conference is challenging us to drill at least three new water wells in South Africa. We will hear more directly from the Missions Team but for now, get ready to be the answer to many family’s prayers!

 

Eyes will open and children will drink!