​My first introduction to Africa was when a Maryknoll missionary came to my school and talked to my class about Africa. I dreamed that I would go there someday. That dream stuck with me until 1982 when I finally had the opportunity to go.

In 2007, while I was preparing for another trip to Africa, a friend approached and ask me if I could help her sister in Cambodia get a well. The idea was daunting, yet I heard my voice say back to her that I would try my best to do everything I could. I contacted Operation Blessing and they managed to put in five wells for several villages because of my efforts. As time passed another friend that needed help asked me to partner with them to put thirty-three wells in Niger, Africa. I contacted Operation Blessing again and they agreed to help us. They were able to drill the first two wells. But now, we have purchased our own equipment with a church group in Houston, Texas. They bought the rig and we purchased a compressor, truck and everything else it takes to drill. It has been much harder this way, but in the long run it will pay off.

The equipment arrived in Niger in 2016 and we have been drilling with it since!

​​In addition to providing water, we are providing jobs for the men of Niger by teaching them how to drill and maintain the wells. This concept is perfect because if a well breaks down, they have the knowledge to fix it themselves. When they know what to do, it means less down time. They are able to fix the well quickly and get the water pumping again. They are proud to have ownership of these wells!

Once a village gets a well, their lives are changed forever. No longer do the women and children have to take that long journey of five miles to hunt for water. They can now be educated, have a garden, and go to market to sell their vegetables. The men can make bricks and build a house.

This has been my dream coming true and it all started in the second grade when someone gave me a big vision. Many years later, this has became a reality because of people like you who invest in the people of Niger, Africa!

Thank you,
Pat Herath
Founder - Wells 4 Wellness, Inc.
​309.236.1301.
​

"WELLS 4 WELLNESS CAME ALONG" - BY WILLIE HERATH

​[Verse 1]
No rain for years, the land is dry.
Thirsty souls, don't know how to get by.
Searching for water, but none to find.
Pleading for mercy, could someone be kind?

[Chorus]
Wells 4 Wellness came along.
Bringing hope where it didn't belong.
Drilling deep making the water flow.
They brought the Gospel,
and saved my soul.

[Verse 2]
For all my years, the land was dry.
But now this hope, could make me cry.
Thirsty souls, no longer dry.
Jesus saved me, devil bye bye.

[Chorus]
Wells 4 Wellness came along.
Bringing hope where it didn't belong.
Drilling deep making the water flow.
They brought the Gospel,
and saved my soul.