Kenya Update #4

More progress today, albeit a little slower. Both wells proceeded deeper in their drilling today, but now that both have encountered a rock layer the pace of drilling has slowed considerably. The godd news is that there is water in both boreholes, so if we needed to, we could set a well at each drill site. However, we would prefer to go as deep as possible to help guard against the wells drying up in the dry season or in case of a drought.

The pastors have taken to the training in various levels of engagement. Some of the pastors - especially those who live in parts of Kenya where the water crisis is severe and fully engaged in every step of the training trying to learn as much as possible. Others are less engaged, give the techniques a try every now and then but content to let others shoulder most of the load. Still others were enthusiastic when the pace of drilling was very rapid but now that things have slowed they are far less enamored with the process. Finally, there is the group who spend most of their time on their cell phone wondering what all of the fuss is about. We have chosen to pour ourselves into those who are fully engaged while still encouraging those who have a lower level of commitment.

Last night our team discussed how God is working on us personally during this mission trip. One member said: "This is my first mission trip but you can bet that it won't be my last." To a person we are impressed with the deep sense of contentment the Kenyans share, despite the fact that as Westerners we would be appalled at the poverty and squalor where most of them live. One of the pastors from Rwanda was talking to us yesterday about how difficult it must be to raise children in the United States. There are drugs, gangs and all other types of violence, dangers and temptations. The whole time he was speaking I couldn't help but think: "At least my kids don't face the threat of genocide." It really and truly is all about perspective.

The Crossings Kenya/Water4 team (from left to right): Phil Altes, Mark Kern, John Burbank, Michael Milligan, David Purcer, Richard DiAngelo,  David Bilodeau, Scott Schmidt

Above is a picture of our team. Please continue to pray for us as we train and work alongside these incredible men. Their passion for sharing Christ with their countrymen challenges me to ask - as both a follower of Christ and a pastor - I am sowing enough seed and what do I need to do to sow more.

Soli Deo gloria,
Michael