"Water School"

How do you start a ministry to help the lost and forgotten in third world countries, when you have little or no knowledge of cultures, needs, logistics, etc? Do you throw money at World Vision, Compassion International or Samaritan’s Purse? There are so many large mission outreaches doing what needs to be done, so why start another small, home-grown ministry?

Starting a ministry isn’t about saving humanity; it’s about people helping people in the name of Jesus Christ. Putting names and faces with stories and starting relationships with people whose lives you can empower for change. We are learning to look at each statistic to the right as a person. Each with a story. Every mother, son, daughter, brother or father who has hope for a better future. Some who just hope to be alive tomorrow. By learning how to serve, who to serve and what needs need to be met, we can not only equip ourselves to make a difference, but can teach thousands to do the same. So how do we learn to teach others?

This week Kevin and I began training with Edge Outreach. EDGE is a local mission organization that trains other mission organizations, churches and individuals how to construct mini water treatment plants anywhere in the world with equipment so small it fits in your suitcase! They are the only organization in the world that I know of that has a training program designed specifically to teach others how to repair three of the most frequently used hand pumps in the third world. (Hundreds of thousands of hand pumps sit on top of viable wells in India, Africa and elsewhere that require simple repairs to return clean water back to a community.)

EDGE’s “water school” located at 1500 Arlington Avenue in Louisville is prepared to take in your team of short or long term mission workers and train them to tackle the water crisis in the areas where they serve. Choose a program to fit your needs, so that in one to three days, you can learn how to assess a community’s health needs and solve any water problem you may encounter on the mission field. I hope to take my new education to those who wish to learn, and lead trips with those who wish to help. I pray that if you are not called to missions that you will support those who are. Not everyone can put their lives on hold to go and serve in a “hands-on” capacity, but you can help in many other ways. Support a missionary. Donate a water system or part of one to our next trip. Help a native missionary come to the United States for training conferences. There are opportunities around every corner. WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU. God Bless and have a great day! Mj