Cool, Clear, Water

We had a nice rain yesterday. It wasn’t a great amount, but it watered the grass and cooled the temperatures. We need rain, yet we still have water at our tap, pools to jump in and sprinkler systems that work.

I had a small taste of what it might be like without water. While in Ethiopia, I journeyed through land that had no rain for over three years. Their rivers are dried up and they have never had running water or sewer systems or even seen a swimming pool. Each morning our tour group was given a big plastic bottle of water. We brushed our teeth with it, drank it, washed our eyes with it and when the bottle was empty our driver would hand it out the window to one of the children running beside the bus – who gladly took even an empty water bottle.

There is a real tension for me, as I don’t want to give up my easy access to water. I was jubilant over the bubbling water of the tap at my apartment and even over powerful flush toilets! But I do want to share, to help the poor and to see everyone live a standard life, such as I have. I know that it doesn’t make sense to send water to Ethiopia, but I could do something to help make water flow. I’m going to continue to tell of the things that I experienced on my trip and I hope that together we will find ways to live out the gospel in all lands, our own and away.

I pray that God will use me to tell the story, to share of the need and to dream of a vision of change. Pastor Fetter had this bible verse on his day calendar:
“When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the LORD will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them. I will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys: I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.” Isaiah 41:17-18

Pastor Lynnae

Pray for Rain, and Clean Water!

From Pastor Lynnae’s blog—
www.triptoethiopia.blogspot.com

Friday, June 6, 2008

Dear All,

What a wonderful trip we are having. It has rained every day but one, and that is so good. The poverty that we see is overwhelming. I cannot believe how much they need clean water! We are in Gondar and have visited many different places; churches, castles, hospitals, seen the Galeda baboons!!! and so much incredible scenery! I've taken gobs of pictures!

Please continue to pray for the people of Ethiopia - for rain and for clean water. There have been many problems with electricity and even with running water in the different hotels so I am not sure when we will be able to write again!

May the blessings of God shower upon you,

Pastor Lynnae