As a Christian, I’ve always believed in the power of Jesus to move mountains. But what I didn’t realize until I started Wells 4 Wellness was how faith could also move something just as daunting—precious water. Clean water, something many of us take for granted, is nothing short of a miracle for the people of Niger, Africa, and I’ve seen firsthand how the Christian community has been a driving force behind this life-saving mission.
Let me share with you how faith in Jesus is fueling the fight for clean water in Niger, why water is so critical, and how you can be a part of this incredible journey.
The Call to Serve
Back when I was a new believer, I felt a calling deep in my heart. So, my husband Bob & I got involved in missions. Over the years, God had drawn us to many places around the world doing many different types of mission work. But when our dear friends Ron & Jerry Childs asked us to focus on Niger, God placed in my heart a burning desire to help and it was something that I was unable to ignore.
When I first traveled to Niger, I visited a village where the nearest water source was a murky wash out roughly five miles away. A group of children took me there to show me how every day they carry heavy containers back to their homes. The water was brown, and you could see insects and debris floating in it. The stench was almost overwhelming. Yet, this was the only water they had.
When I first traveled to Niger, I visited a village where the nearest water source was a murky wash out roughly five miles away. A group of children took me there to show me how every day they carry heavy containers back to their homes. The water was brown, and you could see insects and debris floating in it. The stench was almost overwhelming. Yet, this was the only water they had.
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Back in the village, I will never forget the look in a mother’s eyes when she handed me her baby with the intent of me keeping that precious little one. It was heart-wrenching to see her give a complete stranger her baby in hope of it not experiencing sickness & most likely death from putrid water. It broke my heart, and I knew I had to do something.
Wells 4 Wellness was born
We started small—one well here, one well there—but over the years, our mission grew thanks to the support of my small Christian community in Illinois and Iowa. For us, as Christ Followers, water holds significant meaning. Scripture often refers to water as a symbol of life, purity, and renewal. Think about how central water is to our faith—Jesus turned water into wine, He walked on water, and He offered the Samaritan woman “living water” (John 4:10). Water is not just essential for our physical lives, but it also represents the spiritual renewal we find in Christ.
As Christians, we’re called to care for the least of these (Matthew 25:35-40). And what greater need is there than the need for water, something every human being requires to live? When we provide clean water, we’re not just meeting a physical need, we’re demonstrating the love of Christ in a tangible, life-changing way. In fact, when a well goes into a community of believers, they can then be physically baptized in water, meeting their spiritual needs at the same time!
As Christians, we’re called to care for the least of these (Matthew 25:35-40). And what greater need is there than the need for water, something every human being requires to live? When we provide clean water, we’re not just meeting a physical need, we’re demonstrating the love of Christ in a tangible, life-changing way. In fact, when a well goes into a community of believers, they can then be physically baptized in water, meeting their spiritual needs at the same time!
Churches Sponsoring Wells
Many of the wells we’ve drilled have been funded by churches who believe in our mission. Some congregations have taken up special offerings or organized charity events to raise money for a well. I remember one small church in Illinois that raised enough money to fund an entire well, despite having only a few dozen members. Their faith and generosity were overwhelming, and their well has now brought clean water to so many people in Niger.
These churches aren’t just giving money—they’re living out the gospel by providing for those in need. It’s an amazing testimony to the power of faith in action. Together, we’re part of a movement that is rooted in faith and love, and it’s making waves (pun intended!) across Niger, Africa.
These churches aren’t just giving money—they’re living out the gospel by providing for those in need. It’s an amazing testimony to the power of faith in action. Together, we’re part of a movement that is rooted in faith and love, and it’s making waves (pun intended!) across Niger, Africa.
Spreading the Word: The Power of Prayer and Advocacy
Prayer has been at the heart of everything we do at Wells 4 Wellness. I firmly believe that the prayers of our supporters have opened doors and moved mountains. We’ve seen miracles happen—water found in places where it was thought impossible, wells lasting longer than expected, and communities transformed.
Getting the word out is also powerful! By sharing the story of Niger’s water crisis and the work we’re doing, you can inspire others to join the Wells 4 Wellness family. I’ve seen how one person sharing our mission with their church or Bible study group can spark an entire movement of local community support.
Getting the word out is also powerful! By sharing the story of Niger’s water crisis and the work we’re doing, you can inspire others to join the Wells 4 Wellness family. I’ve seen how one person sharing our mission with their church or Bible study group can spark an entire movement of local community support.
Health & Healing through Clean Water
The physical impact of clean water is immediate and profound. In every village where we’ve drilled a well, the rates of waterborne diseases have plummeted. Children who were once sick and weak are now thriving. Parents can work and provide for their families. It’s truly life-changing.
But beyond the physical healing, there’s also a deep spiritual healing that takes place. People see the well as an answer to their prayers, a sign that God has not forgotten them. I’ve had countless people tell me how their faith has been strengthened through this simple act of kindness. They see the well as a symbol of God’s provision and love, and it often leads to a renewed sense of hope and purpose.
One village chief told our team that they have given their well a name, “The Grace of God.” Those words still bring tears to my eyes because it’s such a clear example of how God uses His people to answer prayers.
But beyond the physical healing, there’s also a deep spiritual healing that takes place. People see the well as an answer to their prayers, a sign that God has not forgotten them. I’ve had countless people tell me how their faith has been strengthened through this simple act of kindness. They see the well as a symbol of God’s provision and love, and it often leads to a renewed sense of hope and purpose.
One village chief told our team that they have given their well a name, “The Grace of God.” Those words still bring tears to my eyes because it’s such a clear example of how God uses His people to answer prayers.
Join the Fight for Clean Water in Niger
If you’re reading this and wondering how you can help, I want to encourage you: You can make a difference. Whether it’s through a donation, organizing a fundraiser at your church, or simply spreading the word, every action counts. When we come together in faith, we can accomplish amazing things.
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Practical Ways to Get Involved
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Christ has called us to be His hands and feet, and through your support, we can bring both physical and spiritual water to those in need. I invite you to join us in this mission. Together, through faith and action, we can bring hope, health, and a future to the people of Niger.
Your support isn’t just giving water—it’s giving life. Let’s keep moving mountains together, one well at a time.
God Bless & Many Thanks,
Pat
PS - Please take a moment to watch & share our 18 minute short film documentary. THX
Your support isn’t just giving water—it’s giving life. Let’s keep moving mountains together, one well at a time.
God Bless & Many Thanks,
Pat
PS - Please take a moment to watch & share our 18 minute short film documentary. THX
