Won’t you please help? You can help in either or both of the following ways:
For the past two years, members of the Ark-Ok Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) have been actively pursuing funds for drilling water wells in Tanzania. In the past year alone, we have raised $30,000, which will provide money for 4 wells to be drilled with high quality hand pumps installed. More importantly, this means that at least 4 villages will be able to have clean, safe water for their cattle and their families.
Moreover, with your help, we will continue to work on this important ministry. Many stories have been written about the deadly diseases of AIDS and Malaria and the havoc they cause to people in Africa. And, these are important issues to address. What is less well known is that 1/3 of the preventable deaths in Africa are attributable to contaminated water supplies. Gastronomic diseases take a particularly devastating toll on young children and the elderly who often cannot overcome these debilitating maladies.
With our work particularly among the Massai tribes in Tanzania, we have seen the miracles that come to people when they have access to clean drinking water. With a well within easy walking distance, the family structure stays intact, the children can participate in school, the men and boys can remain a vital part of the family structure and the entire village remains functional and healthy. Without this access to water, the family members are often forced to move their cattle long distances in search of grass and water and the separation of men and boys from the village has predictable outcomes on weakening the family and the village structure. And, the village remains an integrall part of Massai life and culture.
The Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod
Water Well Fund
6931 66th East Ave., Suite 310
Tulsa, OK 74133
