Lent: Day Ten

One of the things I appreciated most about my trip to El Salvador with Living Water International was that we came to support Agua Viva Internacional, the local arm of the organization. The local representatives were men and women from El Salvador. They did the groundwork of determining the neediest villages and establishing relationships. And after we left, they were the ones who carried on with well maintenance and discipleship of new believers.

I think this is so important because it is long term. I loved that we Americans didn't just swoop in, save the day, and leave. I mean, I think it's okay to do that--because we are told to help the poor and sometimes that's how helping is going to look--but if we can help the poor and leave knowing there is someone to keep helping the poor we helped, it's even better.

Agua Viva Internacional has been recognized by the government of El Salvador for its contributions to bettering the lives of its citizens. In a country that has a brutal civil war lingering in its recent memory, that is huge. It says these followers of Christ love their fellow countrymen and women in a country that once had brothers killing brothers. How powerful such love can be! How healing and unifying.

Villagers in India divided over class and religion are united when a church shares its Living Water well with all. Believers in Africa are known to worship the true God because that God's people brought water to a parched land and a parched people. There are countless stories of local believers reaching out to their own people with the love of Christ.

It's beautiful, and I fast so that more people can be missionaries to their neighbors.