During my recent trip with Global Outreach, I had the opportunity to share about the Clean Water Project. One of my teammates, Mark, asked if I’d be comfortable explaining how the filtration system works. He mentioned that our guide, Carlos, lacked access to clean drinking water and would be leaving the group the next day. Though it had been quite some time since I last led a demonstration, I agreed to do it.
The following day at lunchtime, Mark asked if I was prepared. In truth, we hadn’t even found a bucket yet, let alone the instruction manual! I prayed, asking God to guide my words, quickly reviewed the steps, and stepped forward in faith. Not only was Carlos present, but so was the rest of our team—since sharing about the Clean Water Project is also a great opportunity to talk about faith. I stumbled a bit through the demonstration but explained that with proper care, the filter could provide a family with safe drinking water for over 20 years, drastically improving their health.
After demonstrating how to use and maintain the filter, I explained that while this tool removes both visible and invisible contaminants, it is only a temporary solution. Because of our human nature, we will all eventually face the reality of life beyond this world. That’s when I shared something even more important—the message of the Living Water. I told Carlos about Jesus, the Savior who died for our sins and rose again on the third day. I explained that if we acknowledge our sins, believe in Him, and ask for forgiveness, He will cleanse us far better than any filter ever could, granting us eternal life.
We presented Carlos with the bucket, filter, and a supply of deworming medicine. He took them and left—or so I thought. Our team had just begun our debriefing session when Pastor Miguel came in to tell us that Carlos wanted to pray and accept Christ! After speaking with him further, the pastor shared that Carlos didn’t just want clean water for his family—he wanted the Living Water, too! Right then and there, he prayed and gave his life to Christ.
Here’s something incredible I hadn’t shared yet: Carlos wasn’t even our original guide. Earlier in the trip, we took a wrong turn and ended up needing directions, so we picked him up while he was fishing! After he prayed, one of our translators smiled and said, “We got lost so he could be found!”
How amazing is that? Carlos was literally fishing when we invited him to join us, and then God called him to follow! Not only was he bringing clean drinking water back to his family, but he also carried the truth of the Living Water home with him. He had been fishing for fish, but God called him to be a fisher of men! I am in awe of how perfectly God orchestrated everything so that Carlos’ name could be written in the Book of Life.
Maria Jensen
Mission Team Member, Outreach International
Trip Date: July 10-19, 2023
About the Author
Maria Jensen