The village that is situated in the Central Plateau of Haiti, holds a unique charm and a tight-knit community. The district capital, Hinche, is nearby, serving as a hub for various resources. This northern part of the island is renowned for its agricultural lifestyle, where farming becomes a way of life for many villagers. A small river meanders through the landscape, a few miles from Pastor Accilien’s land. This river is not only vital for nurturing the crops but also provides a source of water for the local livestock, including cows, pigs, and goats, who all revel in its refreshing waters. Similarly, the villagers often rely on this river, especially during dry spells.
During one of our initial visits to Pastor’s home in 2023, we encountered a stark reality—the village had no running water available. Pastor owns a cistern designed to catch rainwater for essential uses such as bathing and toilets. Unfortunately, the drought had persisted for several weeks, resulting in the cistern running dry. Consequently, the only water source available was the river, leading to the uncomfortable situation where we bathed in the same water that the livestock used. While we were fortunate enough to have bottled water to drink, the villagers did not share this privilege, leading to significant health concerns within the community.
While we waited for Missionary Flights to arrive at the landing strip to pick up our team, we met a couple who dedicate their efforts to digging wells across Haiti. Their services are provided at no cost, yet there is a considerable waiting list due to the overwhelming need for clean water access. They were kind enough to provide us with a quote to dig a well for Pastor’s village.
Upon returning home, we felt a profound sense of urgency to share the situation with our congregation at Bridge Church in Blackshear, GA. As we relayed the urgent need for clean water, it became clear that God had already laid out a plan to address this issue. Our church’s Vacation Bible School (VBS) was approaching. The children and VBS workers enthusiastically chose to raise funds for a well in Pastor Accilien’s village, showcasing the hearts of these young individuals. Over the course of that week, the fundraising efforts culminated in an astounding amount of over $18,550!
With this generous contribution in hand, we promptly reached out to the well-digging couple we met at the airstrip. Within a matter of months, their team successfully dug a shallow well that began to provide ample water for the entire village. This was a monumental achievement and a testament to the collective effort and divine provision. Praise God for His goodness!
During our last visit in April 2025, we witnessed a heartwarming scene as numerous villagers flocked to the well to fetch clean water. It was a joyous sight to behold, a symbol of hope and renewed life for the community. Each moment underscored the importance of clean water access and the difference it makes in the lives of the villagers. Through faith and community support, we saw the tangible results of love in action, reminding us that God truly is good and continues to bless those who serve others.