In Memory of Mark Anderson...

Most of you may not have known Mark Anderson. Mark attended Crossings Community Church with his wife Holly and their young son Luke. Unfortunately, this year Mark passed away suddenly. It was a difficult loss for his family and friends.

Mark and Holly were passionate about the work and ministry of Water4. Even Mark's untimely passing did not diminish their family's commitment to Water4 Foundation and it's mission to eradicate the world's water crisis one well at a time. At the suggestion of Crossings member (and drill team participant) Phil Altes, we decided to honor Mark, his life and support of Water4 by dedicating a new well in his memory today. With his name inscribed on the Access 1.2 hand pump, we set the pump in the well freshly dug at the Exodus Baptist Church in Eldoret, Kenya. This well will provide clean and safe water to drink to the members of the church, the children who come to school there each day, as well as the surrounding community. It will provide the church to be God's agent of healing, grace and generosity in an area of the city that desperately needs all three.

The Access 1.2 hand pump inscribed with Mark's name

Phil Altes holding the "Mark Anderson" pump along with the Kenyan members of the drill team that worked to drill the well and install the pump and the Exodus Baptist Church. The church's pastor is on the far right in red.

Needless to say, this has been a very emotional day. In addition to the well above that was completed, the other half of the Crossings/Kenya team completed their well, installed an Access 1.2 hand pump on it and still had time to cap and place another hand pump on an existing well. If the trip ended tomorrow it would be an unqualified success. The good news, is, we are only half-way done.

Water4 drilling specialist Kemp Ward demonstrates the use of the Access 1.2 hand pump

Pastor Duncan of Exodus Baptist Church tries out the new pump at his church

 Tomorrow, we will split into two separate directions. Most of the Crossings drill team, with the exception of myself and Phil Altes (at times) will begin drilling a new well at the Eldoret Children's Rescue Home. It is a ministry for children who are orphans or who have escaped from some type of abusive situation. The need there is dire. We will spend, tomorrow, Monday and Tuesday trying to dig a well and install a pump. Please pray for favorable drilling conditions (i.e., no rocks).

While they are drilling, Phil and I will be helping to lead some theology training for the pastors who have spent the past four days learning how to drill. We will be trying to cram as much knowledge as possible into a three and a half day period. Please pray that we will be strategic in our teaching.

Thank you for your continued prayers. Please do not stop. We are halfway done and some of our team are starting to wear down a little bit physically. Pray that God will renew their strength and give them the energy they need to work and minister.

Soli Deo gloria,
Michael